Phil Trenary/Twitter
Greater Memphis Chamber president and CEO Phil Trenary was shot and killed thursday night on Front Street in Downtown Memphis.
Memphis Police Department officials arrived at the scene around 8 p.m. and said they were looking for a suspect driving a white truck with an extended antenna.
We are currently on the scene of a shooting at 579 South Front. The suspect was possibly occupying a white pickup truck w/an extended cab & antenna. This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone w/info should call Crime Stoppers @ 901-528-CASH.
— Memphis Police Dept (@MEM_PoliceDept) September 28, 2018
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Two hours later, police said Trenary was dead at Regional One Health. At the time, they were still searching for the suspect, described as having dreadlocks and wearing a blue shirt.
The victim has been pronounced deceased at ROH. The suspect responsible is described as a male Black with dreadlocks wearing a blue shirt who was in a white 4-dr F150. https://t.co/ofJsAZMLuu
— Memphis Police Dept (@MEM_PoliceDept) September 28, 2018
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As the news emerged, leaders from across the city, county, and state expressed their shock and sadness.
— Memphis Chamber (@MemphisChamber) September 28, 2018
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Statement from Richard W. Smith, chairman of the Greater Memphis Chamber:
“This is a difficult day.
I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to Phil Trenary’s family, his friends, to his colleagues at the Greater Memphis Chamber, and to the entire community who mourn this loss with us today.
Phil believed, as we all still believe, that Memphis’s best days are ahead.
Last night, we lost a leader, a neighbor, a friend and a champion of our cause. Through his time at the helm of the Greater Memphis Chamber, he pushed to move our city and our region forward. He took on difficult challenges, remaining laser focused on one goal: for Memphis to win.
Phil always spoke with great pride about the direction of this organization and our city. He was so proud of the strong leadership he had assembled at the Chamber and was more optimistic than ever about our collective future.
We are grieving today, but we remain committed to Phil’s vision for Memphis. This was a man who woke up every day and worked to bring jobs and opportunities to our community. We owe it to him and to his legacy to continue that work.
I ask that you continue to respect the privacy of the Trenary family during this unfathomably difficult time.
All additional details are subject to an active investigation and should be directed to the appropriate authorities. We will provide more information as it becomes available.
Thank you.”
Like many of you, I'm shocked at the senseless loss tonight of Phil Trenary, a leader in our community. More than anything in these hours, my thoughts are with his family and his Chamber colleagues. I'm in close contact with MPD, which is leading a thorough investigation. https://t.co/rkl6XRPMyZ
— Mayor Jim Strickland (@MayorMemphis) September 28, 2018
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It’s hard to learn of the passing of Phil Trenary, someone who made so many contributions during his life. He made his mark in business and in service. And right down to his core, he believed in our community’s potential. I will pray for his family. This is a terrible loss.
— Mayor Lee Harris (@MayorLeeHarris) September 28, 2018
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Our hearts are broken with the news of the loss of Phil Trenary. Phil has been a wonderful friend to Crissy and me and a great advocate for Memphis. Our hearts go out to his family and his associates and the Memphis community.
— Gov. Bill Haslam (@BillHaslam) September 28, 2018
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The National Civil Rights Museum is deeply saddened by the tragic and unexpected loss of Phil Trenary. Phil was both a partner and friend of the Museum. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. pic.twitter.com/fGj6wTFqDV
— NatCivilRightsMuseum (@NCRMuseum) September 28, 2018
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We stood and chatted just minutes before your untimely death. I’m forever grateful for your friendship and your tireless support for everything Memphis. RIP @PhilTrenary
— KevinWoods (@KevinWoods) September 28, 2018
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Do not succumb to the attempts to demoralize the community. Remember Phil Trenary's love of and vision for this, *his* and our, great city
— Soul City USA (@soulcityusa) September 28, 2018
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I had the privilege of working with Phil Trenary for three years at the Chamber. My heart breaks for his family. My heart also breaks for all of Memphis. Not only did we lose a champion and leader, but we once again find our community being tarnished by an act of violence.
— Shea Flinn (@FlinnShady) September 28, 2018
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MLGW President & CEO J.T. Young’s statement on Phil Trenary’s passing (September 27, 2018):
“When I arrived in Memphis earlier this year, Phil Trenary was one of the first business leaders to reach out and welcome me,” said J.T. Young, MLGW President & CEO. “His love for Memphis and our business community was immeasurable. The loss of this giant business leader will be very difficult for our community to overcome. Phil’s death was tragic, senseless and a painful loss. My prayers are with this business giant.”
Maria and I are heartbroken over the loss of Phil Trenary. I have gotten to know him over the past couple of years, and he was a tremendous ambassador for Memphis. We are praying for healing for his family in the days and weeks ahead.
— Bill Lee (@BillLeeTN) September 28, 2018
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I am very sad to learn of the death of @MemphisChamber President Phil Trenary. His service and commitment to our community as both a businessman and chamber president was unparalleled. I pray for his family at this tragic time. https://t.co/diz9EXmbEJ
— Brian Kelsey (@BrianKelsey) September 28, 2018
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Please pray for Phil Trenary’s family and colleagues during this time of grief and loss. Also pray for the Memphis community as it has lost a tireless champion for Memphis and the region.
— Tre Hargett (@SecTreHargett) September 28, 2018
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Shocked, I join our corporate community & all who love Memphis in grieving the sudden and tragic loss of Phil Trenary. Just yesterday, we met again on how @uwmidsouth & @MemphisChamber can collaborate on advancing Mid-Southerners toward economic prosperity. Lifting up his family.
— Kenneth S. Robinson (@RevMD) September 28, 2018
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Completely shocked to hear that @PhilTrenary passed this evening. Phil was always so incredibly kind & encouraging. And he loved Memphis! I just saw him and he gave me a hug & congratulated me. I’m going to miss his smile, and his excitement for our city. Praying for his family.
— Rep. Raumesh Akbari (@RepAkbari) September 28, 2018
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I was heartbroken to hear of Phil's passing. Our prayers go out to his family, and I know he will be missed by the city of Memphis and beyond. We were lucky to have known him.https://t.co/aw8Su37eqF
— Karl Dean (@KarlFDean) September 28, 2018
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United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today released the following statement on the passing of president and CEO of the Greater Memphis Chamber of Commerce, Phil Trenary:
“I am shocked to learn of Phil Trenary’s death. He was a good friend and a strong voice for Memphis and Tennessee. Honey and I send our sympathy to his family and to the entire Memphis community on his loss.”
From Bill Gibbons, president of the Memphis and Shelby County Crime Commission:
“The death of Phil Trenary is a tragedy for his family, his friends, and our city. He was a friend and someone who was determined every day to make a positive difference. His death is a great loss. We must continue working together to end senseless violence in our community.”
He loved his Downtown. And Downtown loved him. Our neighborhood will not be the same without him, but we will work to continue the positive momentum and enthusiasm he had for our community. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and the chamber in this difficult time. (2/2)
— Downtown Memphis (@DowntownMemphis) September 28, 2018
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