Sieas Elliott, Destiny Gardner, and Varick Lawrence: Stillman College Devastated by the Tragic Loss of Student and Alumni in Fatal Atlanta Car Crash on May 23, 2025

Tuscaloosa, AL – The Stillman College family is in deep mourning following the heartbreaking loss of three beloved members of its community—Sieas Elliott, a dedicated student and former athlete; Destiny Gardner, a distinguished alumna and former campus queen; and Varick Lawrence, a respected alumnus known for his leadership and vibrant presence. All three tragically lost their lives in a catastrophic automobile accident in the Atlanta metropolitan area on the evening of May 23, 2025.

The devastating news has rippled across campus and beyond, prompting an outpouring of grief, remembrance, and unity as students, faculty, alumni, and friends join together to honor the lives of three young leaders whose spirits left an indelible mark on Stillman College and the world around them.

A Night That Changed Everything

The fatal incident occurred Friday night in the Atlanta metro area under circumstances that are still under investigation by local authorities. According to preliminary reports, the vehicle in which Sieas Elliott, Destiny Gardner, and Varick Lawrence were traveling was involved in a high-impact collision with another vehicle. Emergency services responded promptly, but tragically, all three individuals were pronounced dead at the scene.

While full details regarding the cause of the crash have not been released pending official investigations, the impact of the loss is already being deeply felt across multiple communities in Alabama and Georgia. The shock of the sudden deaths has united Stillman alumni and students in a collective moment of mourning and tribute.

Remembering Sieas Elliott: A Life of Leadership, Loyalty, and Promise

Sieas Elliott, a native of Stockbridge, Georgia, had just completed a successful collegiate baseball career at Stillman College and was preparing to return for the 2025–2026 academic year to complete his academic journey and transition into a leadership role as a student assistant baseball coach. His plan was to serve as a mentor for the next generation of Stillman student-athletes—a reflection of his character, commitment, and community-minded spirit.

A proud and active member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Sieas was known for more than his athletic talent. Friends and classmates remember him for his infectious positivity, humble leadership, and unwavering dedication to excellence on and off the field. Coaches have described him as the “heartbeat of the team,” someone whose motivation inspired those around him.

“He wasn’t just a player,” said Head Baseball Coach Larry Watkins. “Sieas was a leader, a brother, a scholar. He wanted to finish his degree, come back to Stillman, and pour into others. That says everything about who he was. He believed in building people.”

Sieas majored in Health Sciences, with aspirations of one day working in the health and wellness industry or perhaps coaching at the collegiate level. He carried himself with discipline, dignity, and pride in his institution. Whether in the classroom, on the baseball diamond, or in fraternity meetings, Sieas led by example—soft-spoken, yet powerful in presence.

“He could walk into a room and uplift the energy without saying a word,” said classmate Jermaine Williams. “When he did speak, it mattered. He made people feel seen, heard, and respected.”

Sieas leaves behind a grieving family, including his parents, siblings, teammates, fraternity brothers, and countless friends across Georgia and Alabama.

Honoring Destiny Gardner: A Reigning Spirit of Grace, Intelligence, and Advocacy

Destiny Gardner, a 2022 graduate of Stillman College from Montgomery, Alabama, was widely recognized as a gifted leader, powerful speaker, and deeply compassionate woman. Destiny was crowned the 74th Miss Stillman College, a role in which she served with grace, intelligence, and an unwavering commitment to student empowerment.

Her year as Miss Stillman (2021–2022) was marked by initiatives focused on mental health awareness, academic success, and women’s leadership. Destiny often spoke at student forums, led campus events, and served as a role model for both young women and her peers. She was a Communications major and graduated with honors, going on to work in education and community engagement while pursuing plans for graduate school.

“She was the essence of what Stillman stands for,” said Dr. Cynthia Warrick, President of Stillman College. “Destiny was elegance in motion—brilliant, bold, visionary. She represented the best of us, and she lifted everyone around her.”

Known for her poise and eloquence, Destiny inspired countless students with her authenticity and fearless advocacy. She shared her personal journey openly, addressing issues like anxiety and self-esteem with compassion and candor, making her a trusted voice among peers.

“She gave us permission to be human,” said former classmate and friend, Aaliyah Trent. “She had a crown, but she never wore it above us. She walked with us.”

Destiny continued to serve her community after graduation, volunteering in literacy programs and mentoring high school students interested in attending HBCUs. Her commitment to service was not limited to symbolic gestures—it was lived daily, in the way she spoke, worked, and carried others with her.

Celebrating Varick Lawrence: A Legacy of Ambition, Charisma, and Brotherhood

Varick Lawrence, a Stillman College alumnus from Atlanta, Georgia, was known for his dynamic presence, sharp intellect, and commitment to success. While his graduation date and major were not immediately confirmed, those who knew him remember Varick as a charismatic, ambitious young man with a strong sense of brotherhood and a drive to uplift himself and others.

“Varick had vision,” said former roommate Michael Jefferson. “He wanted more—not just for himself, but for all of us. He challenged you to be better. And he lived every day like it was full of possibility.”

Varick was deeply involved in student life during his time at Stillman, participating in student organizations and community events. Friends described him as the kind of person who could walk into a room and bring it to life with laughter, debate, or motivation—whatever the moment required.

A proud advocate for young Black professionals, Varick was interested in entrepreneurship, leadership, and youth mentorship. Since graduating, he had remained engaged with Stillman’s alumni network and participated in initiatives designed to bridge current students with alumni resources.

He is remembered by fraternity brothers, classmates, and colleagues as someone who was always “reaching back,” encouraging others to find their voice and chase their dreams.

“Varick didn’t just talk about the future—he worked for it,” said friend and fellow alumnus Kendrick Brown. “He would have done great things. He already was.”

Stillman College United in Mourning and Celebration of Life

In response to the tragedy, Stillman College released a formal statement extending condolences to the families of Sieas Elliott, Destiny Gardner, and Varick Lawrence, and announced plans to host a Celebration of Life Memorial for the three on campus in the coming days.

President Warrick expressed the collective sorrow of the institution in a message to students and faculty:

“We are heartbroken by this unspeakable loss. Sieas, Destiny, and Varick embodied the values we hold dear at Stillman—leadership, excellence, service, and love. As we mourn their passing, we also commit ourselves to upholding the legacy they leave behind.”

Counseling services have been made available for students and staff, and flags across campus are being flown at half-staff. The college has also encouraged faculty to show flexibility with academic requirements in the days following the announcement, allowing students space to grieve and reflect.

Several student organizations, including the Student Government Association, Pan-Hellenic Council, and Alumni Affairs, have coordinated vigils, memory boards, and social media campaigns to honor the lives of Sieas, Destiny, and Varick.

Community Support and Calls for Remembrance

In addition to the efforts on Stillman’s campus, the wider community in Atlanta, Stockbridge, Montgomery, and Tuscaloosa have joined in grieving and remembrance. Local churches are hosting prayer services. Alumni groups are fundraising for memorial scholarships. Athletic teams are dedicating games and moments of silence.

Plans are already in development for the creation of three named memorial scholarships, each reflecting the spirit of one of the victims:

• The Sieas Elliott Memorial Athletic Scholarship
• The Destiny Gardner Women in Leadership Fund
• The Varick Lawrence Emerging Entrepreneur Award

Gone But Never Forgotten

As candles are lit and tributes pour in, what remains in the hearts of those left behind is not simply the pain of loss, but the powerful presence these three extraordinary young people brought to the world.

Sieas Elliott, the steadfast athlete and servant-leader.
Destiny Gardner, the regal advocate with a heart for healing.
Varick Lawrence, the spirited visionary chasing greatness.

Their journeys may have ended too soon, but their light has not been extinguished. It now burns in the actions, memories, and legacies of those they inspired.

Rest in power, Sieas. Rest in grace, Destiny. Rest in strength, Varick. You will never be forgotten.