A broad search operation is in progress along the Cumberland River in downtown Nashville, where the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) and rescue crews are endeavoring to locate Alexandria Chmiel, a 33-year-old New Jersey resident reported missing early this morning. WSMV reported that Chmiel was separated from her friend in the vicinity of 3rd and Broadway shortly before 2 a.m.
Efforts escalated rapidly, with a search commencing after 4 a.m. According to information provided by MNPD, a shoe and, a trail of blood were discovered near the search zone, which crews are currently investigating for potential links to Chmiel's disappearance. This detail, disclosed by WKRN, adds a concerning dimension to the unfolding situation.
In the early hours, Chmiel's friend reported her missing at 3:42 a.m. The search has been concentrated near the Gay Street connector and the Woodland Street bridge, notable as the last location where college student Riley Strain was seen before his own disappearance. The response team has deployed a helicopter and a drone to aid in the search efforts, noted by MNPD officials.
NewsChannel 5 reported that the last known sighting of Chmiel was captured by downtown cameras near 1st Avenue North and Woodland Street. Surveillance images have been released showing Chmiel walking alone towards the river, an image that has become a pivot for the continuing search.
The specifics of Chmiel's visit to Nashville and further circumstances that led to her disappearance remain unclear. Local authorities have not released additional information at this time. The situation is ongoing, and updates are expected as investigators and search teams work to uncover more details in their efforts to find Alexandria Chmiel.
