Sieas Elliott, alumni Destiny Gardner Obituary, Death – Three individuals connected to Stillman College in Tuscaloosa are being deeply mourned after they tragically lost their lives in a car accident on May 23 in Atlanta. The victims were identified as Sieas Elliott, a current student at Stillman, along with alumni Destiny Gardner and Varick Lawrence.
The heartbreaking news was shared on Stillman College’s official Facebook page, which confirmed that all three perished in the same vehicle crash. The post read, “It is with profound sorrow that we share the untimely passing of current Stillman College student Sieas Elliott and alumni Destiny Gardner and Varick Lawrence. The three were involved in a tragic automobile accident in the Atlanta, Georgia metro area on the evening of May 23, 2025.”
Stillman College President Yolanda Page offered a heartfelt statement of condolences on May 24, expressing the pain felt throughout the college community. “This is a terrible tragedy for everyone in our Stillman family,” President Page said in the news release. “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.”
Sieas Elliott, originally from Stockbridge, Georgia, had recently completed his collegiate baseball career at Stillman earlier in May. Plans were underway for him to return to campus for the 2025-2026 academic year, where he intended to finish his degree and serve as a student assistant coach for the baseball team. Elliott was also a proud member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, reflecting his active involvement in campus life.
The two alumni, Destiny Gardner and Varick Lawrence, were well-known figures within the Stillman community and beyond, having been deeply engaged in various roles and leadership positions.
Destiny Gardner, who hailed from Montgomery, Alabama, was notably crowned the 74th Miss Stillman during the 2021-2022 academic year. She was an active member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and served as a regional representative for the UNCF National Pre-Alumni Council, highlighting her dedication to community service and education. Gardner graduated in 2022 with a degree in criminal justice and went on to work as a juvenile officer at the DeKalb Regional Youth Detention Center in DeKalb County, Georgia, where she contributed to youth rehabilitation and support.
The lives of these three individuals, each distinct yet connected by their ties to Stillman College, have left a profound impact on the campus and local community. The loss has reverberated across the college, touching the hearts of classmates, faculty, and alumni alike.
President Page’s statement underlined the enduring legacy of Elliott, Gardner, and Lawrence, emphasizing the warmth and positivity they brought to those around them. The community’s grief is palpable, and their absence leaves a void felt by many.
Friends, family members, and colleagues have been sharing memories and tributes to honor the lives of the three. Many highlight the contributions each made to Stillman College’s spirit and culture, as well as their commitment to making a difference in their communities.
The accident itself remains under investigation by local authorities, who are working to piece together the circumstances that led to this devastating event. Details about the cause of the crash or any other involved parties have not yet been publicly released.
As Stillman College and the wider community process this immense loss, support services and counseling have been made available for students and staff struggling to cope with the tragedy. The college is encouraging anyone affected to reach out for help and to lean on each other during this challenging period.
The loss of Sieas Elliott, Destiny Gardner, and Varick Lawrence serves as a sobering reminder of life’s fragility. While their time was cut short, their legacy of leadership, dedication, and community spirit will continue to inspire those who knew them.
Plans for memorial services and tributes are expected to be organized in the coming days, allowing friends, family, and the Stillman community to come together to celebrate their lives and offer support to one another.
This tragic event has united the Stillman family in mourning, but also in honoring the lasting impact these three remarkable individuals had on the college and the lives they touched. As the investigation continues and the community heals, the memory of Elliott, Gardner, and Lawrence will remain a powerful part of Stillman College’s story.