Stillman College community mourns loss of student and alumni in fatal car accident

TUSCALOOSA, AL (WBMA) — Stillman College is mourning the loss of current student Sieas Elliott 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.

“This is a terrible tragedy for everyone in our Stillman family,” said Dr. Yolanda W. Page, the eighth president of Stillman College. “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.”

Sieas Elliott, 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 a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Destiny Gardner, from Montgomery, Alabama, served as the 74th Miss Stillman in 2021-2022 and was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. 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, a Lithonia, Georgia native, played baseball at Stillman from 2021-2023 and graduated in 2023. He worked as a baseball coach in the Atlanta area and was also a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.

“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,” said Terrance Whittle, director of athletics and former head baseball coach. “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.”

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.”

In a post on Facebook, Stillman College Alumna Tuscaloosa City Council District 7 representative Cassius Lanier released a statement saying, “Prayers up for my Stillman College Family and Families of our Stillmanites who lost their lives!!”

At this time, the cause of the crash is unknown. We will continue to provide updates. as they become available.