College Student Killed by Driver Traveling Nearly Triple the Speed Limit
Morgan Gamble, 21, was pronounced dead after a collision involving a vehicle allegedly traveling 94 mph in a 35 mph zone.
A college student was killed in a car crash after a driver allegedly traveling nearly triple the speed limit struck her vehicle, according to Atlanta police. Morgan Gamble, 21, was in her 2016 Mazda CX5 when the suspect, Nikolai Dunford, 36, collided with her car. Police responded to the crash on Hank Aaron Drive and Glen Street around midnight Tuesday.
Officers found Gamble in critical condition and rushed her to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Officials stated that Dunford was driving his Lexus northbound at 94 mph in a lane with a 35 mph speed limit.
Dunford was arrested at the scene and initially taken to Grady Memorial Hospital before being transferred to the Fulton County Jail. He has been charged with speeding, reckless driving, and first-degree vehicular homicide.
His attorney, Chad Trentacosta, issued a statement expressing condolences: 'There are simply no words that can lessen the pain of losing a young woman whose life ended far too soon.' The statement added that their client is deeply affected and asked for the legal process to unfold carefully.
Witnesses in the area reported hearing the crash and coming to Gamble's aid. Precious Sesay told WRDW that she called 911 to assist Gamble. Residents also expressed concerns about the safety of the intersection where the crash occurred, with one witness, Mali Glemaud-Thesee, noting multiple accidents at the location.
Gamble was a senior at Clark Atlanta University, majoring in Mass Media Arts Production. She also appeared as a background performer in Netflix's reboot of "A Different World."
Her family is working to keep her legacy alive by establishing the Morgan Lee Scholarship to support students in the Mass Media Arts Program at Clark Atlanta University. The family has also set up a fundraiser page for the scholarship, which aims to help students with financial gaps that may hinder their education. Gamble's mother, Brandi Gamble, stated the goal is to help students continue their studies without worrying about missing work. The fundraiser has received over $6,900 in donations.
Gamble was involved in university activities, including the television station and film club, and worked on various film projects in Atlanta. Felicia Pride, showrunner and executive producer of "A Different World," shared condolences on Instagram, noting Gamble's participation in the show. Gamble also volunteered with the Make Believe Village Project, a nonprofit assisting underprivileged youth with media training.
Clark Atlanta University issued a statement mourning the loss and offering counseling resources to students. Gamble is survived by her parents and four siblings.