Amber and Bradley Lewis are experiencing unimaginable grief over the loss of their 20-year-old son, Andre Bell, a Fisk University student and athlete who was shot and killed in a targeted attack on a Nashville highway.
As investigators piece together the events of that tragic Sunday night, the Lewises are sharing stories of Andre’s life, his unbreakable family bonds, and the bright future stolen from him, all while pleading for answers and justice.
Andre, lovingly called “Dre” by those closest to him, was born on December 2, 2005, to Amber and Bradley in Jackson, Tennessee.
Raised alongside his two younger brothers, Malcom and Elijah Lewis, he grew up in a close-knit household where family came first.
From an early age, Andre’s parents noticed his natural athleticism and drive.
Standing tall at 6’4″, he honed his skills on the basketball court at Sacred Heart of Jesus High School in Jackson, where he played as a shooting guard from 2020 to 2024 before graduating.
His passion for the game carried him to Fisk University in 2025, where he transitioned to small forward on the men’s basketball team while pursuing a degree in Business Administration as a sophomore.
Beyond sports, Andre found joy in simple pleasures like playing video games, but his parents emphasized that his true heart lay with his loved ones, he never missed a family gathering or an opportunity to support his siblings.
The Lewises were Andre’s biggest cheerleaders throughout his journey.
When he committed to Fisk in 2025, they stood proudly by his side, just as they had at every game and milestone since his childhood.
“They’ve always been there since the beginning,” friends and family recall, highlighting the unwavering support that fueled Andre’s success both on and off the court.
Amber, his mother, described him as “just a great kid,” adding through tears,
“He was just a great kid, I know everybody is partial to their own kid, but my dream was perfect.”
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Bradley, his father, said that Andre loved his family deeply, especially his brothers, and never missed a family event.
“He loved this family so much, He definitely loved his brother, too. He didn’t miss a family event.”
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These words show that he wasn’t just a good student and talented athlete, but also a loving son and brother whose warm smile and kind nature touched everyone around him.
The tragedy unfolded late Sunday night on Interstate 65 North near the I-40 interchange, as Andre was driving back to campus with two friends after volunteering at a Fisk University gymnastics meet.
Gunfire suddenly erupted from a dark-colored sedan, striking Andre inside his vehicle.
His friends, unharmed but shaken, were on their phones when the shots rang out and quickly realized he had been hit.
They rushed him to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Metro Nashville Police are investigating the incident as a targeted shooting, with the suspect fleeing the scene.
Authorities noted that there are no license plate readers on the interstate, technology that could have helped identify the vehicle, and this has renewed local calls to improve the city’s crime-solving tools.
As the family demands answers, both the Lewises and police are urging the public to come forward with any information that could lead to an arrest.
“We need somebody to make this make sense,” Bradley has said in past reflections on loss, though this time the pain hits even closer to home.
The community has come together to support them, with tributes pouring in from Andre’s peers and mentors at Fisk
Fisk University men’s basketball head coach Jeremiah Crutcher shared an emotional tribute:
Today, we lost a leader on and off the basketball court. Andre ‘Dre,’ a young, bright, and gentle young man, was unfairly snatched from this world. He was a dominant force on the Fisk University Men’s Basketball team, but he was most remembered for his infectious smile, loving personality, and unique ability to always bring warmth to a room. We now have a deep absence in our program, but more importantly, we have a deep pain in our hearts. He will be truly missed. Our thoughts and unwavering prayers are with his family and the little kids in his family and in Nashville who looked up to him.”
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Out of respect for the family’s privacy, the university has limited further comments.
Athletic Director Valencia Jordan added her voice to the chorus of grief:
“Our Fisk Athletics family is absolutely devastated by the news that one of our own has been taken from us in a senseless act of violence. Andre Bell, a scholar and beloved, integral part of our Men’s Basketball program, was headed back to campus after volunteering to help with our Fisk University gymnastics meet when this tragic incident occurred. Our hearts go out to his family at this most difficult time. We will stand with them and support them in every way possible. We are a family that learns, loves, plays, and prays together and will continue to do so. Counseling is being provided for our team of athletes who are understandably heartbroken.”
As Nashville comes together in solidarity, Andre Bell’s legacy endures through the memories held dear by his parents and siblings.
Amber and Bradley Lewis, forever changed, hold onto the love their son shared so freely, hoping that justice will one day bring a measure of peace to their broken hearts.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Metro Nashville Police to help bring closure to this heartbroken family.
