A Vanderbilt professor was fatally shot Tuesday evening in east Nashville.

Pierre Colas, an assistant professor of Anthropology, was pronounced dead after police arrived at a house on McFerrin Avenue. His sister, Marie Colas, also was shot, and she is in critical condition at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

According to WSMV.com, a neighbor called police at 9:20 p.m. on Tuesday to report hearing gunshots. At this time, the incident is still under investigation by Metro Police. Police said there was no sign of forced entry.

Richard McCarty, Vanderbilt University provost, expressed his shock and sadness in a message to the community.

"Pierre was a talented young scholar who joined the Vanderbilt faculty in 2006," McCarty said. "In his relatively brief time at Vanderbilt, he earned the respect of his colleagues and students, and his absence will be profoundly felt. He was a kind and gentle person and a devoted colleague, mentor and friend."

A Wordpress blog has been created for anyone to post memories of or thoughts about Colas; updates on the situation will be added to the blog as it develops.

WSMV.com and MyVU contributed to this report.