Latest news with #Stillman
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Parents of 9-Month-Old Son Who Were Planning to Get Married Among 3 College Friends Killed in Crash
Three college friends, including the parents of a 9-month-old boy, were killed in a Georgia car crash over Memorial Day weekend Stillman College student Sieas Elliott and Stillman alumni Destiny Gardner and Varick Lawrence died in the crash, which is still under investigation by authorities Gardner and Varick, parents to son Zaire, were planning to get married before the fatal crash, according to Varick's grandmotherThree friends, including parents of a 9-month-old boy, died in a car crash outside of Atlanta, authorities said. The three victims of the crash were identified as Sieas Elliott, Destiny Gardner and Varick Lawrence by Stillman College, the Alabama school where 24-year-old Elliott was a current student and Gardner and Lawrence were alumni. Clayton County Police said the crash happened on Friday, May 23, on Interstate 75 and Old Dixie Road in Forest Park, according to ABC affiliate WSB-TV. The crash is still under investigation, according to the outlet. PEOPLE has contacted Clayton County Police for additional information. "This is a terrible tragedy for everyone in our Stillman family," Stillman President Dr. Yolanda W. Page said in a statement. "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," Page said. "We extend our sincere condolences to their families, friends, classmates, and teammates during this incredibly difficult time." Lawrence and Gardner had a 9-month-old son named Zaire, according to WSB-TV. The local outlet also reported that the couple had plans to get married. "We should be planning a wedding, not funerals," said Lawrence's grandmother, Dot Mitchell. Lawrence played baseball and was a member of Omega Psi Phi fraternity at Stillman, the college shared. After he graduated from Stillman in 2023, he worked as a baseball coach in the Atlanta area. Gardner, who graduated from Stillman in 2022 with a degree in criminal justice, worked at the DeKalb Regional Youth Detention Center as a juvenile officer, according to Stillman, which said that both she and Lawrence "were deeply engaged with the Stillman family and broader community." Elliot planned to return to Stillman for the 2025-2026 school year to finish his degree in early childhood education, according to a GoFundMe created to raise money for his memorial fund. He also worked as a student assistant baseball coach and, like Lawrence, was a member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Terrance Whittle, director of athletics at the college and former head baseball coach from 2018-2025, said in a statement shared by Stillman that he was "deeply saddened" by the deaths of Lawrence, Gardner and Elliot. He shared, "Their legacy will live on at Stillman through the relationships they formed while here." "Personally my heart will forever mourn with the families as well as celebrate the lives of Varick and Sieas. I had the honor of having them as two of my hundreds of sons I have coached," Whittle added. "I will never forget the spirit and connectedness of heart and brotherhood they brought to my life and all those that walked with us." Read the original article on People
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Parents of 9-Month-Old Son Who Were Planning to Get Married Among 3 College Friends Killed in Crash
Three college friends, including the parents of a 9-month-old boy, were killed in a Georgia car crash over Memorial Day weekend Stillman College student Sieas Elliott and Stillman alumni Destiny Gardner and Varick Lawrence died in the crash, which is still under investigation by authorities Gardner and Varick, parents to son Zaire, were planning to get married before the fatal crash, according to Varick's grandmotherThree friends, including parents of a 9-month-old boy, died in a car crash outside of Atlanta, authorities said. The three victims of the crash were identified as Sieas Elliott, Destiny Gardner and Varick Lawrence by Stillman College, the Alabama school where 24-year-old Elliott was a current student and Gardner and Lawrence were alumni. Clayton County Police said the crash happened on Friday, May 23, on Interstate 75 and Old Dixie Road in Forest Park, according to ABC affiliate WSB-TV. The crash is still under investigation, according to the outlet. PEOPLE has contacted Clayton County Police for additional information. "This is a terrible tragedy for everyone in our Stillman family," Stillman President Dr. Yolanda W. Page said in a statement. "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," Page said. "We extend our sincere condolences to their families, friends, classmates, and teammates during this incredibly difficult time." Lawrence and Gardner had a 9-month-old son named Zaire, according to WSB-TV. The local outlet also reported that the couple had plans to get married. "We should be planning a wedding, not funerals," said Lawrence's grandmother, Dot Mitchell. Lawrence played baseball and was a member of Omega Psi Phi fraternity at Stillman, the college shared. After he graduated from Stillman in 2023, he worked as a baseball coach in the Atlanta area. Gardner, who graduated from Stillman in 2022 with a degree in criminal justice, worked at the DeKalb Regional Youth Detention Center as a juvenile officer, according to Stillman, which said that both she and Lawrence "were deeply engaged with the Stillman family and broader community." Elliot planned to return to Stillman for the 2025-2026 school year to finish his degree in early childhood education, according to a GoFundMe created to raise money for his memorial fund. He also worked as a student assistant baseball coach and, like Lawrence, was a member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Terrance Whittle, director of athletics at the college and former head baseball coach from 2018-2025, said in a statement shared by Stillman that he was "deeply saddened" by the deaths of Lawrence, Gardner and Elliot. He shared, "Their legacy will live on at Stillman through the relationships they formed while here." "Personally my heart will forever mourn with the families as well as celebrate the lives of Varick and Sieas. I had the honor of having them as two of my hundreds of sons I have coached," Whittle added. "I will never forget the spirit and connectedness of heart and brotherhood they brought to my life and all those that walked with us." Read the original article on People
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Yahoo
3 Stillman College students killed in Clayton County crash; Fraternity brothers mourn loss
A college community is in mourning after a weekend crash on Interstate 75 in Clayton County claimed the lives of three young people with ties to Stillman College, an HBCU in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The victims, Varick Lawrence, Destiny Gardner, and Seias Elliott, all lived in Atlanta but were either current or former students at Stillman. Lawrence and Elliott were members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and Gardner was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Channel 2's Eryn Rogers spoke with fraternity brothers and friends who are grappling with the loss and remembering the impact the three had on their lives. 'I've been looking at all our videos and pictures,' said Arick Evans Jr., a fraternity brother. 'Just reminiscing about the time we did have with each other.' [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Evans said the news hit especially hard because all three were close to him. 'For it to be so close, on my line, in my chapter, it just kind of hurt,' he said. Family members said police informed them the crash happened along I-75 South near Old Dixie Road. Clayton County officers have not yet released details on what caused the crash, which remains under investigation. Elliott's mother recalled the devastating moment she learned the outcome. 'He was like nobody survived, and your worst nightmare comes true,' she said. All three had deep ties to Stillman College. Elliott was expected to graduate next semester. Solomon Strong, another fraternity brother, said Elliott was 'on the way to success' and was 'on the rise.' Lawrence, who played baseball with Elliott, was working as a coach in Atlanta and was interested in becoming a police officer. 'When you saw one, you saw another. They were together,' Strong said. TRENDING STORIES: Missing pregnant woman found safe after walking away from Atlanta hospital Man accused of gunning down Georgia Tech student in targeted shooting has turned himself in Trooper injured after fleeing driver crashes into his patrol car and runs away Gardner worked at the DeKalb Youth Detention Center. She and Lawrence were in a relationship and shared a son, Zaire, who will turn nine months old in a few days. 'She always said, 'I need to make it home to Zaire,'' said Evans. 'It's heartbreaking that she didn't make it back to him that night.' Friends described all three as genuine, joyful, and deeply dedicated to their Greek life and HBCU community. 'Some of the most genuine people that I've met while I was at Stillman,' Evans added. 'They always were happy, telling jokes.' The brothers of Omega Psi Phi say they are leaning on one another for strength and are planning a memorial in Tuscaloosa after funeral services are held. 'Seeing some people so young leave in a way like that, so early. They'll be gone, but they surely will not be forgotten,' Evans said. Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. [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."
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Byron Lady Tigers hold off Stillman Valley in a BNC instant classic
BYRON, Ill. (WTVO/WQRF) — Two of the best basketball teams in the state gave fans one of the best basketball games of the season Thursday night. Byron and Stillman Valley battled down to the final seconds before Byron held on for a 40-38 Stillman Valley's first loss of the season putting the Cardinals' record at 27-1 overall and their Big Northern Conference record at 7-1. Byron is now 26-2 overall and 7-1 in conference play. Byron also avenged a loss to Stillman Valley at Dixon's KSB Holiday Classic back on December Groharing led Byron with 18 points. Malia Morton scored 16 points, and she played some tremendous defense. Sophomore post player Dailene Wade led Stillman with 19 points. Byron's top-notch zone defense limited Stillman standouts Taylor Davidson and Lillian Green to six points highlights, watch the media player above. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
