Stillman College Community Grieves Loss of Students in Tragic Accident

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Stillman College is mourning the loss of current student Sieas Elliot and alumni Destiny Gardner and Varick Lawrence, who died in a tragic automobile accident in the Atlanta metro area on the evening of May 23, 2025.

Dr. Yolanda W. Page, the eighth president of Stillman College, expressed her sorrow saying, “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. We extend our sincere condolences to their families, friends, classmates, and teammates during this incredibly difficult time.”

Sieas Elliot, a native of Stockbridge, Georgia, had recently completed his baseball career at Stillman and was planning to return in the 2025-2026 academic year to finish his degree and serve as a student assistant baseball coach. He was also a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Destiny Gardner, from Montgomery, Alabama, served as the 74th Miss Stillman in 2021-2022. A 2022 graduate with a degree in criminal justice, she worked as a juvenile officer at the DeKalb Regional Youth Detention Center in Georgia. Gardner and Lawrence shared a young son.

Varick Lawrence, originally from Lithonia, Georgia, played baseball at Stillman from 2021 to 2023 and graduated in 2023. He worked as a baseball coach in the Atlanta area and also belonged to Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.

Terrance Whittle, director of athletics and former head baseball coach, stated, “I am deeply saddened to learn of the tragic loss of life of Sieas Elliot, Varick Lawrence, and Miss Destiny Gardner. 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.”

Director of Alumni Affairs Jean Wilson said, “Varick and Destiny embodied the spirit of Stillman College—determined, compassionate, and always striving for excellence. Their loss is deeply felt among the alumni family.”

In a post on Facebook, Stillman College Alumna Cassius Lanier expressed condolences to the families of the deceased, stating, “Prayers up for my Stillman College Family and Families of our Stillmanites who lost their lives!”

The cause of the crash was not known at the time of reporting. Updates will be provided as they become available.