Family of 21-year-old Clark Atlanta student killed in crash ‘perplexed’ by driver’s speed

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — The Clark Atlanta University community is mourning the death of one of its own who was killed Tuesday in a crash.

Officers responded to the crash at Hank Aaron Drive and Glen Street at around 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, where 21-year-old Morgan Gamble was in critical condition. She was taken to the hospital where she later died, police said.

Police believe a vehicle driven by Nikolai Dunford was going 94 mph on Hank Aaron Drive, which is a 35 mph zone, when it struck Gamble’s car. Dunford is charged with reckless driving, speeding and first-degree vehicular homicide, police said.

“We’ve been coping with it. Dealing with it,” said George Gamble, Morgan Gamble’s father. “ [We’re] trying to find out the answers, trying to get some clarity on how this could happen.”

“I’m just really perplexed as to how a car can travel 95 miles an hour in a ’30 miles per hour’ zone,” Gamble said.

“There should be no reason why that should have have happened. There should be speed bumps put down on the ground, I don’t know,” said Azhae Hylton, Morgan Gamble’s sister.

Residents nearby heard the crash and came out to help. One called 911.

“All I could do is tell police. She’s young and she needs help right now,” said Precious Sesay, who dialed 911 after the crash.

Others who witnessed the aftermath of the crash described the intersection as long-troubled.

“I’ve literally seen somebody get hit before by a car,” Mali Glemaud-Thesee said. He said he’s seen and heard multiple accidents at the intersection from his nearby apartment.

“You know, I think that District 1 really needs to respond to this accident and tell us: What’s the compromise? Because somebody’s child is gone and that’s not changing,” Kayla Starks said.

Family members said Gamble’s legacy will live on.

“She is a leader. That’s why you see a lot of pictures of her in groups because she is the light that everybody is drawn to,” Hylton said.

Her family said she was a star in and out of the classroom, shining on stage while crowned “Miss Omega Psi Phi” on Clark Atlanta University’s campus, starting clubs and podcasts, and fostering a deep interest in media and production.

Morgan Gamble worked on the sets of multiple projects in Atlanta, including Netflix’s “A Different World,” where she appeared on screen. Morgan also worked in production on several other film and media sets.

“Everything she did had purpose. That’s a wonderful way to live life Everything you do, make sure it has purpose,” said George Gamble III, Morgan Gamble’s brother.

Clark Atlanta University has set up “days of support” with counseling resources for students today and tomorrow.

Clark Atlanta University issued a statement Wednesday acknowledging Gamble’s death.

“The loss of a member of our University community is deeply felt, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to Morgan’s family, friends, classmates and all who knew and loved Morgan,” the statement read. “During this time of sorrow, scholars are encouraged to support one another.”

The investigation is ongoing.

This is a developing story. Stay with Atlanta News First for updates.