Stillman College Mourns Loss of Student and Two Alumni in Tragic Atlanta Car Crash
Stillman College is mourning the tragic loss of three cherished members of its community—current student Sieas Elliott and alumni Destiny Gardner and Varick Lawrence—who were killed in a devastating automobile accident in the Atlanta metro area on the evening of May 23, 2025.
Remembering Sieas Elliott
Sieas Elliott, a native of Stockbridge, Georgia, had recently completed his collegiate baseball career at Stillman and was set to return for the 2025–2026 academic year to finish his degree and serve as a student assistant baseball coach. A member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Elliott was known for his leadership, discipline, and uplifting spirit.
Honoring Destiny Gardner
Destiny Gardner, a 2022 graduate from Montgomery, Alabama, served as the 74th Miss Stillman during the 2021–2022 academic year. A member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., she earned a degree in criminal justice and worked as a juvenile officer at the DeKalb Regional Youth Detention Center in Georgia. Gardner was deeply engaged in her community and was a passionate advocate for youth.
Celebrating the Life of Varick Lawrence
Varick Lawrence, originally from Lithonia, Georgia, played baseball at Stillman from 2021 to 2023 and graduated in 2023. He was active in youth development as a baseball coach in the Atlanta area and was also a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Lawrence’s commitment to mentorship and sportsmanship made a lasting impact on the Stillman athletic community.
Community Tributes and Reflections
Dr. Yolanda W. Page, President of Stillman College, expressed the collective sorrow of the college community:
“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.”
Terrance Whittle, Director of Athletics and former head baseball coach, shared his personal grief:
“I am deeply saddened to learn of the tragic loss of life of two former student-athletes, Sieas Elliott and Varick Lawrence, and Miss Destiny Gardner. The Department of Athletics wishes to express our deepest condolences to the family of these young persons who 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, highlighted the enduring impact of Gardner and Lawrence:
“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.”
A Community in Mourning
The sudden loss of Elliott, Gardner, and Lawrence has deeply affected the Stillman College community. Grief counseling services have been made available to students, faculty, and staff, emphasizing that support is available to anyone affected by the tragedy.
As Stillman College reflects on this tremendous loss, the legacy of Sieas Elliott, Destiny Gardner, and Varick Lawrence will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew them. Their contributions to the college and their communities will not be forgotten.
