NASHVILLE (WHNT) – Wayne Mills, lead singer of The Wayne Mills Band, died at a Nashville hospital following a Saturday morning shooting. According to CBS station WTVF, the Arab native was shot around 5 a.m. at the Pit and Barrel Bar on Second Avenue.
WTVF reports the shooting was a result of an altercation between Mills and the owner of the bar, Chris Ferrell. They said the two were inside the bar and a struggle ensued after Mills reportedly lit a cigarette in the non-smoking section. According to police, witnesses outside the bar heard gunshots and contacted authorities.
Police said Ferrell claims he shot the victim in self-defense. They said he had a valid handgun carry permit.
Mills was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center. According to his official Facebook page, Mills died Saturday afternoon.
Mills, 44, was a 1987 graduate of Arab High School. He most recently lived in Nolensville, Tennessee.
According to WTVF NewsChannel 5 in Nashville, a fund has been established for Mills’ family at First Bank, and any of its locations in Tennessee. If you would like to mail a check, here is the address:
First Bank
Attn: Wayne Mills Family Fund
3310 Aspen Grove Drive, Suite 100
Franklin, TN 37067
A benefit concert is also being planned.
According to the Wayne Mills Band Facebook page, funeral services will be held after Thanksgiving.
