Stillman College is reeling from the devastating news of a tragic car accident that claimed the lives of one current student and two cherished alumni.
Among the deceased is Sieas Elliot, a beloved senior student and former Stillman baseball player, whose death has deeply shaken the campus community.
Elliot, a 5’10”, 185-pound athlete from Stockbridge, Georgia, had just wrapped up his collegiate baseball career earlier this May.
He had plans to return for the 2025-2026 academic year to complete his degree and serve as a student assistant baseball coach.
A proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Elliot was well-known on campus for his dedication, sportsmanship, and warmth.
The Fatal Crash Also Claimed The Lives Of Two Former Students
The accident, which occurred on the evening of May 23 in the Atlanta metro area, also claimed the lives of two Stillman alumni: Destiny Gardner and Varick Lawrence.
Destiny Gardner, a native of Montgomery, Alabama, graduated from Stillman in 2022 with a degree in criminal justice.
She served as the 74th Miss Stillman during the 2021-2022 academic year and was a respected Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc member.
Gardner worked as a juvenile officer at the DeKalb Regional Youth Detention Center in Georgia and was known for her passion for youth advocacy.
Similarly, Varick Lawrence, originally from Lithonia, Georgia, played baseball at Stillman from 2021 to 2023 and graduated in 2023.
He was also an Omega Psi Phi Fraternity member and worked as a baseball coach in the Atlanta area.
Lawrence and Gardner shared a young son together, further deepening the tragedy.
The Whole Campus Is In Mourning After The Tragic Event
Stillman College President Dr. Yolanda W. Page issued a heartfelt statement following the accident:
“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.”
Stillman’s Director of Athletics, Terrance Whittle, who once coached both Elliot and Lawrence, expressed deep sorrow:
“Personally, my heart will forever mourn with the families as well as celebrate the lives of Varick and Sieas. I had the honor of having them as two of my hundreds of sons I have coached. I will never forget the spirit and brotherhood they brought to my life and all those that walked with us.”
Jean Wilson, Director of Alumni Affairs, described Gardner and Lawrence as exemplary members of the Stillman community:
“Varick and Destiny embodied the spirit of Stillman College—determined, compassionate, and always striving for excellence. Their loss is deeply felt among the alumni family.”
Stillman College alumni and local leaders have shared an outpouring of support on social media.
Tuscaloosa City Council representative and Stillman alum Cassius Lanier posted on Facebook,
“Prayers up for my Stillman College Family and Families of our Stillmanites who lost their lives!!
As of now, the cause of the accident remains under investigation, and further details have not yet been released.
The college has stated it will continue to provide updates as they become available.
