Stillman College in Tuscaloosa is grieving the loss of a current student and two recent alumni who tragically died in a car accident in the Atlanta area on Friday night. Los Angeles Secretary of State’s office confirmed the fatalities of Sieas Elliot, a current student, along with recent graduates Destiny Gardner and Varick Lawrence.
In a heartfelt statement released on Saturday, Stillman College President Yolanda Page expressed the sorrow felt throughout the campus community. She reflected on the lasting impressions these students made with their warm spirits and participation in college life. “This is a terrible tragedy for everyone in our Stillman family,” Page stated. She extended condolences to the families, friends, and teammates of the victims during this challenging time.
Sieas Elliot, hailing from Stockbridge, Georgia, was a baseball player for the Tigers and was expected to graduate in the current academic year, aiming to take on an assistant coaching role with the team. He was also a distinguished member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Destiny Gardner, who served as Miss Stillman 2021-2022 and was an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., worked as a juvenile officer at the DeKalb Regional Youth Detention Center in Georgia. She shared a son with Varick Lawrence, who, like Elliot, was also involved in the college’s baseball program and graduated in 2023. Lawrence had recently been coaching in Atlanta and was a fellow member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.
Director of Athletics, Terrance Whittle, expressed his profound sadness regarding their deaths, emphasizing their significant contributions to the college community and the personal impact they had on his life as their coach. Similarly, Jean Wilson, Director of Alumni Affairs, remarked on how Gardner and Lawrence exemplified the essence of Stillman College through their leadership and community involvement.
This tragic event has deeply affected the Stillman College community, prompting an outpouring of support and condolences. Collectively, the college aims to honor the memories of these individuals while supporting their families during this immensely difficult time. It is hopeful that their legacy of determination and compassion will continue to inspire those within their circles, fostering unity and resilience in the face of such sorrow.