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A late-night drive back to college ended in tragedy after a burst of gunfire on a busy Nashville highway.
The death of a young student-athlete has left a university community in shock and prompted a police appeal for help.
According to People, the shooting happened as friends were returning from a campus-related event.
Fatal drive home
Andre Bell, 20, was shot while driving on Interstate 65 North at the I-40 interchange in Nashville on Sunday, Jan. 11, police said.
He was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he died the following day, Jan. 12, according to the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department.
Bell was a sophomore at Fisk University, where he studied Business Administration and played for the men’s basketball team.
The university confirmed he was originally from Jackson, Tennessee.
MNPD said its Homicide Unit is investigating the killing and that the motive has not yet been determined.
Moments before shooting
Police said Bell had been driving his white Nissan Sentra back to campus with two friends after volunteering at a Fisk University gymnastics meet held at the Nashville Fairgrounds.
As they entered the interstate, his friends noticed a dark-colored sedan traveling in the left lane next to them.
Investigators said both passengers were briefly distracted by their cellphones.
Moments later, they heard multiple gunshots and realized Bell had been struck.
The Sentra slowed and spun back into traffic before colliding with a red pickup truck, police said.
The dark sedan did not stop and continued driving away from the scene.
Investigation underway
MNPD said Bell suffered a gunshot wound to the head.
Investigators believe the vehicle from which the shots were fired may have windshield damage, based on shattered glass recovered at the scene.
Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying the dark sedan or anyone inside it.
Authorities are also seeking dashcam footage from the area at the time of the shooting.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463.
Campus mourning
Fisk Athletics Director Valencia Jordan said the university was “absolutely devastated” by Bell’s death.
She noted he was returning to campus after volunteering when the shooting occurred.
Basketball coach Jeremiah Crutcher described Bell as a leader on and off the court.
“Today, we lost a leader on and off the basketball court,” he wrote, adding that Bell was remembered for his “infectious smile” and “loving personality”.
The university said counseling services are being provided to student-athletes affected by the loss.
Sources: People, Metropolitan Nashville Police Department
