Stillman College Mourns Deaths Of Two Former Baseball Players, 74th Miss Stillman

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The Stillman College community is in mourning after three people closely associated with the school were killed in a traffic accident in Atlanta Friday night.

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The college identified those killed as current Stillman student Sieas Elliott, along with Stillman College alumni Destiny Gardner and Varick Lawrence.

“This is a terrible tragedy for everyone in our Stillman family," Stillman President Yolanda Page said. "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.

Elliott was a native of Stockbridge, Georgia, who completed his Stillman baseball career earlier in May and was set to return to Stillman in 2025-2026 to complete his degree and serve as a student assistant baseball coach.

Elliott was also member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Destiny Gardner and Varick Lawrence, both alumni of Stillman College, were deeply engaged with the Stillman family and broader community.

“Varick and Destiny embodied the spirit of Stillman College — determined, compassionate, and always striving for excellence," Stillman Director of Alumni Affairs Jean Wilson said. "As alumni, they continued to uplift others and set examples of leadership in their communities. Their loss is deeply felt among the alumni family.”

A native of Montgomery, Gardner served as the 74th Miss Stillman in 2021-2022 and was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Gardner was also a regional rep of the UNCF National Pre-Alumni Council and a 2022 graduate with a degree in criminal justice. She went on to work as a juvenile officer at the DeKalb Regional Youth Detention Center in DeKalb County, Georgia.

Stillman said Gardner and Lawrence — a native of Lithonia, Georgia — shared a young son together.

Lawrence also played baseball at Stillman College from 2021-2023 and graduated in 2023, before going on to work as a baseball coach in the Atlanta metro area.

Like Elliott, he was also 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," Stillman College Athletic Director and former baseball coach Terrance Whittle said. "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."

Whittle went on to reflect on his connection with the two former student-athletes.

“Personally my heart will forever mourn with the families as well as celebrate the lives of Varick and Sieas," he said. "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."

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