Nashville mogul Bill Freeman dies by suicide, police say

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — Billionaire businessman Bill Freeman died by suicide on Sunday, Metro Police said.

Freeman’s son, a state representative from Nashville, confirmed the death.

An active shooter scene occurred Sunday evening at Freeman’s home on Hillsboro Pike.

Freeman, who co-owned the Freeman Webb company with his former business partner, the late Jimmy Webb, stepped down as CEO in 2023. Freeman suffered several strokes over the years but never fully recovered.

Freeman was also a formal mayoral candidate who ran for mayor of Nashville in 2015.

Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell responded to Freeman’s death.

Tonight we lost Bill Freeman. Bill was many things: real estate visionary, mayoral candidate, pilot, media mogul, staunch Democrat – and friend. Our city, state and nation are better because of his tenacity and dedication. We will miss him very much, and my heart is with his family.

See Karen Johnson’s statement on Bill Freeman’s passing below:

“My heart is so heavy at the passing of my friend, Bill Freeman. Few have had as much of an impact on our great city as Bill: as a smart, well-rounded businessman and as a giant among civic-minded leaders. I often asked Bill for advice, but most of all I valued his friendship. Prayers are being said this morning for Babs, for Rep. Bob Freeman and for all of Bill’s loved ones. This loss leaves a terrible void”

Please see below the following statement from the Davidson County District Attorney’s Office regarding Freeman’s death:

“Bill Freeman was a friend to all of Nashville. He worked hard to provide the working men and women of this community with a better standard of living, from housing to wages. We are a better city because of Bill Freeman.”