Families are grieving after the loss of two college students at Atlanta’s Elleven45. Mariam ‘Mari’ Creighton and Nakyris M. Ridley died during a shooting inside the popular lounge this past weekend, per WSB-TV2. Four other people were injured.
What Happened In The Elleven45 Shooting?
Creighton, who was 21, was reportedly at the lounge celebrating her niece’s birthday when a fight led to the gunfire. This occurred at about 2:30 a.m. on Mother’s Day (May 12). Police are still investigating and have yet to describe the gunman. It’s unclear what caused the fight in the first place.
Mari’s niece, 22-year-old Taylor Holmes, was one of the people injured. Holmes suffered from a gunshot wound to the leg but is now reportedly stable, per WSB-TV’s recent conversation with the Creighton family.
The four people injured are all reportedly between the ages of 20 and 30. Aside from Taylor Holmes, the status of the injured folks is unknown.
Deceased College Student Was One Semester Away From Graduation
Mariam’s sister, Tiffany Eason, spoke to the outlet about the late athlete’s talents.
“Mari was very talented. She played volleyball, she did nails and she did hair. She can build anything,” Tiffany shared.
Albany State University, where Creighton starred on the volleyball team, released a statement following her passing. They extended “heartfelt condolences to [her] family, friend and teammates during this incredibly difficult time.”
Meanwhile, Mari’s other sister, Telia Wheeler, said she wishes “people would stop shooting.” Mari Creighton was just one semester away from graduating with a biology degree.
“It’s just senseless. My sister was just out having a good time, and now our lives are just altered forever,” Eason said.
The second college student who passed away was under the legal drinking age of 21. Nakyris was just 20. It’s unclear if she and Mari knew each other or whether they were in the same section when the shooting broke out.
Lounge Reacts
Elleven45 addressed the incident on Sunday (May 12), choosing to close the lounge for the day amid the investigation.
“In these challenging times, our commitment to the security and safety of our community has only strengthened. We are dedicated to maintaining an environment where everyone feels secure. We deeply appreciate the strength and support of our community as we work together towards healing and reassurance. Thank you for your understanding and patience as we navigate this difficult period together.”
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