CHATTANOOGA, TN (WRCB) -- A 52 year-old Sheridan Avenue man died Wednesday afternoon after being trapped under his car.
Chattanooga Police responded just after 5:00 p.m. to 1109 Sheridan Avenue on a report of a man trapped under a car parked in front of the house.
Officers found 52 year-old Thilbert Petty under his 1992 Cadillac; he was pronounced dead on the scene.
"It appears he was working on his car and was underneath it when it either fell on him, or rolled on him. We're not sure yet," said Chattanooga Police spokesman Nathan Hartwig.
Petty's family and friends gathered as officers shielded the area with tarps.
"My daughter is a friend of the young man who lost his father. I just came around to pray with the family," said Sonya Rawlings
The investigation into what caused the car to fall will continue. For now, investigators and family friends can't help but feel for a family now short one member, just weeks before Christmas.
"Especially at Christmas time, it's just a very unfortunate accident," said Hartwig.
Added Sonya Rawlings, "I'm just asking everybody to pray for this family."
