Sebastian Ebert, 16, was a Wilson Central High School junior remembered for his kindness, creativity and love of music.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A 16-year-old Wilson Central High School student died after falling from a skateboard while traveling downhill at Two Rivers Greenway on Nov. 3, Nashville police said. Detectives have described the death as accidental based on their preliminary investigation.
Sebastian Ebert was riding downhill at a high rate of speed and was not wearing a helmet when he fell and struck his head at about 11:30 a.m., according to the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department. He was taken to Skyline Medical Center, where he died. Police have not released a more detailed account explaining what caused him to fall.
Ebert’s death brought an outpouring of grief from his school, family and church community. He was a junior at Wilson Central High School and was involved in the school’s culinary program. He also had a strong interest in music and had participated in the school’s marching band, according to his obituary and school community remembrances.
Wilson Central Principal Jennifer Ankney remembered Ebert as a teenager whose kindness and humor helped other people feel comfortable and valued. She described him as creative and curious, with a warm personality and an ability to connect closely with friends and classmates. The school honored him in the days after his death, including by encouraging students and staff to wear band shirts in his memory.
Ebert’s obituary said music was a central part of his life. He played guitar and bass, but drums were his greatest passion. He also sang and performed with the worship band at Generation Changers, the church he had attended for much of his life. He had also played drums at New Vision Church in Rutherford County, according to the obituary.
Generation Changers described Ebert as a longtime member of its community and said the congregation was grieving with his family. Pastor Barry Smith also remembered him as a calm and peaceful teenager who was widely loved. Those tributes emphasized Ebert’s personality and relationships rather than only the circumstances surrounding his death.
Police announced the investigation on the day of the fall and said the circumstances known at that point indicated an accidental death. The department’s statement said Ebert had been traveling downhill at high speed without a helmet before falling. Authorities have not announced evidence that another person was involved, and no additional circumstances explaining the loss of control have been released.
A visitation and celebration of life were held Sunday, Nov. 8, at Wilson Central High School. The school said in a community update the next morning that students and staff had recently worn band shirts to honor Ebert and that the school was grateful to host his visitation and services. The gathering followed several days of tributes from people who knew him through school, music and church.
Ebert was born May 24, 2010, and died Nov. 3, according to his obituary. His family thanked community members for the support they received after his death. Nashville police continue to list the greenway incident as an accidental death based on their preliminary findings, and no later investigative findings had been publicly announced as of Monday.
Author note: Last updated November 9, 2026.