On the evening of Friday, May 23, 2025, a tragic vehicle accident occurred in the Atlanta Metro Area, claiming the lives of three cherished members of the Stillman College community: Coach Varick Lawrence, alumna Destiny Gardner, and student-athlete Sieas Elliott.
The tragic death of Varick Lawrence has deeply affected his family, friends, and the Stillman community, highlighting the profound loss felt by all.
Varick Lawrence, affectionately known as “Varic,” was a proud son of Carol Presswood Lawrence and Varick Lawrence Sr.
Growing up with his two sisters, Varesa Lawrence Sanford and another sibling, Varick’s vibrant spirit shone brightly from an early age.
A Lithonia native, he graduated from Martin Luther King Jr. High School and played baseball for the MLK Lions, showing the athletic talent that would define much of his life.
Varick’s journey took him to Stillman College, a historically Black college and university (HBCU) in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where he played outfielder for the baseball team from 2021 to 2023.
Varick graduated in 2023 with a degree, marking his time at Stillman with dedication to the sport and active involvement in campus life.
He represented brotherhood, leadership, and service as an Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. member.
After graduation, Varick returned to the Atlanta Metro area, where he worked as a baseball coach. His passion and commitment inspired young athletes.
Destiny Gardner And Varick Lawrence Were College Sweethearts And Parents To Their One-Year-Old Son
Destiny Gardner, Varick’s partner since 2022, hailed from Montgomery, Alabama.
A 2022 Stillman College graduate in criminal justice, she was the 74th Miss Stillman for the 2021-2022 year.
As a Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. member, she was dedicated to community service.
Additionally, her role as a regional representative for the UNCF National Pre-Alumni Council highlighted her commitment to uplifting others.
After graduating, Destiny worked as a juvenile officer at the DeKalb Regional Youth Detention Center in DeKalb County, Georgia, where she made a difference in the lives of young people.
Her compassion and strength grew to her personal life, where she and Varick welcomed a son in 2024.
They created a loving family based on their shared values and commitment to one another.
The Stillman College Community Is Heartbroken Over The Loss Of Three Incredible People
Dr. Yolanda W. Page, the eighth president of Stillman College, expressed the collective grief in a heartfelt statement:
“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”
Via Facebook
Many people in the community have shared their condolences, showing the strong bonds that Varick, Destiny, and Sieas created with others.
Tee Blackboy English, a lifelong friend of the Lawrence family, shared an important message:
Rodney Pelt Sr. also honored the trio, writing,
“Today, our hearts are heavy as we say goodbye to three incredible souls who left us far too soon—Destiny Gardner, Sieas Elliott, and Varick Lawrence. These remarkable people were not only friends but shining lights in our lives, inspiring us with their kindness, passion, and unwavering spirit.
Via Facebook
Rest peacefully, dear friends. You are truly missed, but never forgotten.”
The loss of Varick Lawrence, Destiny Gardner, and Sieas Elliott has left an emptiness that words cannot fully capture.
Yet, their legacies endure through the lives they touched, the love they shared, and the inspiration they provided.
Varick’s dedication to coaching young athletes, Destiny’s commitment to justice and community, and Sieas’s vibrant spirit will continue to resonate within the Stillman College community and beyond.
The community is gathering to remember and celebrate the joy and strength of Varick, Destiny, and Sieas.
Stillman College is honoring their memory and coordinating efforts to support their families during this difficult time.
Everyone is encouraged to keep the loved ones of those three in their thoughts.
For those wishing to support the families, Stillman College is coordinating efforts to provide assistance and share information about memorial services. The college encourages everyone to keep the families, friends, and loved ones of Varick, Destiny, and Sieas in their thoughts during this difficult time.
Though their time with us was cut short, the light of Varick Lawrence, Destiny Gardner, and Sieas Elliott will shine on forever.
Rest in peace.
