Submitted by Stillman College
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – It is with profound sorrow that we share the untimely passing of current Stillman College student Sieas Elliot 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.
“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,” said Dr. Yolanda W. Page, eighth president of Stillman College.
Remembering Our Beloved Stillmanites
Sieas Elliot, a Stockbridge, Georgia native, completed his Stillman baseball career earlier in May and was set to return to the college in 2025-2026 to complete his degree and serve as a student assistant baseball coach. He was a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Destiny Gardner and Varick Lawrence, esteemed alumni of Stillman College, were deeply engaged with the Stillman family and broader community.
Gardner, a Montgomery, Alabama native, served as the 74th Miss Stillman in 2021-2022 and was a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She was also a regional rep of the UNCF National Pre-Alumni Council. A 2022 graduate with a degree in criminal justice, she worked as a juvenile officer at the DeKalb Regional Youth Detention Center in DeKalb County, Georgia. Gardner and Lawrence shared a young son together.
Lawrence, a Lithonia, Georgia native, played baseball at Stillman College from 2021-2023 and graduated in 2023. He worked as a baseball coach in the Atlanta metro area. He was a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.
“I am deeply saddened to learn of the tragic loss of life of two former student-athletes, Sieas Elliot and Varick Lawrence, and Miss Destiny Gardner. The Department of Athletics wishes to express our deepest condolences to the family of these young persons whom all had an invaluable imprint on Stillman College. Their legacy will live on at Stillman through the relationships they formed while here,” said Terrance Whittle, director of athletics and former head baseball coach from 2018-2025. “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 connectedness of heart and brotherhood they brought to my life and all those that walked with us. We ask for prayers at this time for their families. As we mourn as a community, we will also remember and celebrate lives well lived.”
Jean Wilson, Director of Alumni Affairs, shared: “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.”
