Latest news with #DestinyGardner
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Families mourning 3 who attended college together after deadly metro Atlanta crash
Two families are coming together to raise an infant after both of the child's parents were killed in a metro Atlanta car crash over the weekend. The parents were among the three people who died in the crash. Channel 2's Tyisha Fernandes spoke to an investigator who said they're still trying to figure out why the car crashed. The victims' families are focusing on their faith to get them through this tragedy. The Lawrence family is having a hard time accepting the loss of Varick Lawrence, Jr. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Many people called him 'Champ' because he fought to survive at birth. 'It just stuck, and they kept saying he's a little champion,' his grandmother, Dot Mitchell said. His parents say he was also a champion in baseball, his favorite sport. He played on the team at Stillman College in Alabama with his friend Sieas Elliot, who also died in Saturday's crash. The third victim was Lawrence's girlfriend and future wife, Destiny Gardner. They had a son, Zaire, together. He's just nine months old. 'We should be planning a wedding, not funerals,' Mitchell said. There is a GoFundMe campaign set up to benefit the family of Sieas Elliott. TRENDING STORIES: Man killed in shooting at Atlanta park Police ask for help identifying man they say shot, killed homeowner during robbery Man sentenced to nearly 6 years for buying 150+ guns in GA, trying to smuggle them to Mexico [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]


Hindustan Times
26-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Who were Sieas Elliot, Destiny Gardner, and Varick Lawrence, Stillman College alumni killed in crash
Stillman College is grieving the loss of three members of its community after a deadly car accident on Friday, May 23, in the Atlanta area, Georgia. The victims who died in the deadly crash were current student Sieas Elliot, and alumni Destiny Gardner and Varick Lawrence. Sieas Elliot, from Stockbridge, Georgia, was a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and he just finished his baseball career at Stillman earlier this month. He planned to return to school next year to finish his degree and help coach the baseball team, as reported by WBRC report. Destiny Gardner, from Montgomery, Alabama, graduated in 2022 with a degree in criminal justice. She received the Miss Stillman during the 2021–2022 school year, a leader in the UNCF National Pre-Alumni Council, and a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She worked as a juvenile officer at a youth detention center in DeKalb County, Georgia. Varick Lawrence, from Lithonia, Georgia, also played baseball at Stillman and graduated in 2023. He was a member of Omega Psi Phi and worked as a baseball coach in the Atlanta area. Also Read: Jury President Juliette Binoche on why It was just an Accident won Palme d'Or As per reports, Gardner and Lawrence shared a young son, the couple remained active in the Stillman community after graduation. Stillman President Dr. Yolanda W. Page said, 'This is a terrible tragedy for everyone in our Stillman family. The spirit of each of these proud Stillmanites will live on with all who were greeted by their warm smiles and welcoming personality. The entire Stillman College community mourns this heartbreaking loss. We extend our sincere condolences to their families, friends, classmates, and teammates during this incredibly difficult time." Jean Wilson, Director of Alumni Affairs, said, "Varick and Destiny embodied the spirit of Stillman College—determined, compassionate, and always striving for excellence. As alumni, they continued to uplift others and set examples of leadership in their communities. Their loss is deeply felt among the alumni family." Terrance Whittle, director of athletics and former head baseball coach said, "I am deeply saddened to learn of the tragic loss of life of two former student-athletes, Sieas Elliot and Varick Lawrence, and Miss Destiny Gardner." He added, "The Department of Athletics wishes to express our deepest condolences to the family of these young persons whom all had an invaluable imprint on Stillman College. Their legacy will live on at Stillman through the relationships they formed while here."