‘Bright, gentle young man.’ College basketball player killed in shooting on interstate in Nashville

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Update: Fisk University reports that one of its student-athletes was shot and killed on an interstate in Nashville over the weekend.

“Fisk University joins our Athletics Department in mourning the tragic loss of Andre Bell, a sophomore Business Administration major and student-athlete,” Fisk shared on Monday afternoon.

Athletics Director Valencia Jordan reports that Bell, 20, was returning to campus after volunteering to help with the university’s gymnastics meet when the shooting occurred.

“Today, we lost a leader on and off the basketball court. Andre ‘Dre,’ a young, bright, and gentle young man, was unfairly snatched from this world. He was a dominant force on the Fisk University Men’s Basketball team, but he was most remembered for his infectious smile, loving personality, and unique ability to always bring warmth to a room. We now have a deep absence in our program, but more importantly, we have a deep pain in our hearts. He will be truly missed. Our thoughts and unwavering prayers are with his family and the little kids in his family and in Nashville who looked up to him.”

Jeremiah Crutcher, Head Coach, Men’s Basketball

Earlier: College basketball player critically injured in shooting on interstate in Nashville

The Metro Nashville Police Department is investigating a shooting that left a college basketball player critically injured on Interstate 65 Sunday night.

MNPD’s homicide unit is investigating the shooting that “very critically wounded” 20-year-old Andre Bell, who plays basketball for Fisk University.

The shooting of Bell, who went to high school in Jackson, took place on I-65 North at the I-40 interchange. Police have not yet identified a motive in this shooting.

Previous: 1 critically injured after shooting on I-65 in Nashville

Police believe that Bell and two friends had been at a gymnastics event at the fairgrounds before getting onto the interstate in Bell’s white Nissan Sentra to return to campus. Police said Bell’s friends reported noticing a dark sedan in the left lane beside them.

Both of them said they were distracted by their cellphones when they suddenly heard multiple gunshots and realized Bell had been hit, according to MNPD. The Nissan slowed and spun back into traffic before colliding with a red pickup truck.

The dark sedan continued traveling on the interstate, according to police.

Bell was shot in the head and was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in “extremely critical condition,” according to police. Police said evidence, including shattered glass at the scene, indicates the suspect’s vehicle likely has windshield damage.

“Anyone with information on the dark sedan, the person(s) in it, or anyone with dashcam footage from that area just after 8 p.m., is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463. Callers to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and qualify for a cash reward,” MNPD said.

Bell is a sophomore at Fisk, according to his bio for the Buldogs’ basketball team. The 20-year-old, known as Dre, joined the team in 2024 following his high school career at Sacred Heart of Jesus High School in Jackson.