Brutally Beaten and Thrown Into a Nashville Creek: Emily Bradley
On February 18, 2024, Emily Bradley left her home and stopped all communication with friends and family. Two weeks later, a passerby found her body floating in Whites Creek.
What happened to Emily and why?
Emily Nichols Flynn Bradley was born on December 24, 1979, to Martha and Nick Bradley.
From a young age, she developed a deep passion for horses and ponies, sparking her interest in professional horseback riding.
The Disappearance
On February 18, 2024, Emily left her residence, where she lived with her best friend and roommate, Jaiya Wendell. She reportedly left her home on Norvel Avenue in her silver 2014 Chevy Cruze, leaving behind her emotional support dog of 23 years, Bob Johnson.
Then, on February 19, 2024, at approximately 2 am, she was last seen leaving a friend’s home during an argument with her boyfriend. Emily and her boyfriend allegedly had a tumultuous on-and-off relationship since 2021.
On February 21, 2024, after not returning home and failing to contact any of her family members or friends, Emily was reported missing. That same day, a license plate reader in Hendersonville detected her car, but it remains unclear who was driving the vehicle.
On February 22, 2024, friends created a Facebook page to raise awareness about her disappearance.
On February 27, 2024, Emily’s father, who resides in Fort Pierce, Florida, traveled to Tennessee to join the search for his daughter.
In an interview with WRKN, Nick Bradley expressed his worries, stating “If we just knew something, it would be better than knowing nothing. Her mother and I, we’re just completely distraught. We are hoping for the best, bracing for the worst. We just don’t know,” while shaking his head.
Then, on March 2, 2024, Emily’s body was discovered floating in Whites Creek near a bridge by Buena Vista Pike and West Hamilton Avenue.
The medical examiner later determined that Emily’s cause of death was blunt force trauma. When asked about his only child’s death, Nick Bradley told WKRN that he believes Emily became a victim of domestic violence. Many friends share this belief, anxiously awaiting the arrest of the person responsible.
On March 3, 2024, a GoFundMe page was created to cover funeral and travel costs for Emily’s family.
On April 1, 2024, friends and family gathered for a candlelight vigil near the location where Emily was discovered. They also planted a hand-painted cross at the spot in her memory.
Since the death of Emily was announced, friends have been demanding justice, as they suspect that Emily’s boyfriend was involved in her murder. The unnamed boyfriend, with a lengthly arrest history including public intoxication, driving under the influence, and possession of schedule VI drugs, has not been publicly identified as an official suspect. As of April 25, 2024, no charges related to Emily’s murder have been filed.
Emily is fondly remembered by family and many friends as a truly special person who brought joy, laughter, and empathy wherever she went. Described as kind, hardworking, and stylish, she had a gift for uplifting others and creating meaningful connections. Friends share cherished memories of bonding, late-night talks, and shared activities like horseback riding and dancing. Emily’s resilience, strength, and unwavering support have left a lasting impact on all who knew her, and her passing has left a deep sadness tempered by gratitude for the time they shared with her.
Please note: This article will undergo periodic updates to incorporate emerging information related to these ongoing cases. There may be revisions to the timeline and case details for accuracy and completeness.
Last update: April 27, 2024
