Mariam Creighton Dies After Nightclub Shooting; Volleyball Player Was 21 Years Old

Doric SamMay 14, 2024

Jamie Schwaberow/NCAA Photos via Getty Images

Mariam Creighton, a member of the Albany State volleyball team, was killed in a nightclub shooting in Atlanta this past weekend, per TMZ.

Creighton, who was 21 years old, was one of two people pronounced dead at the scene along with 20-year-old Nakyris Ridley.

The Atlanta Police Department said officers responded to a report of shots fired at the Elleven45 lounge around 2:28 a.m. ET. Four other people were injured in the shooting.

“Preliminary investigation indicates the shooting occurred during a physical dispute at the location that escalated to gunfire,” the APD said in a statement.

Creighton’s family told Michael Seiden of WSB-TV in Atlanta that she was out celebrating her niece’s birthday when the incident broke out.

“It’s just senseless. My sister was just out having a good time, and now our lives are just altered forever,” Creighton’s sister Tiffany Eason said.

Creighton’s niece, 22-year-old Taylor Holmes, sustained a gunshot wound in her leg, but Eason said she is stable.

Creighton was one semester away from graduating from Albany State with a biology degree.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of one of our student-athletes,” university officials said in a statement. “The Golden Ram athletics community extends heartfelt condolences to Mari’s family, friends, and teammates during this incredibly difficult time.”

The SIAC @TheSIACThe Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference expresses its deepest condolences on the passing of Ms. Mariam Creighton, a beloved daughter, friend, proud Golden Ram and cherished member of the SIAC.

We offer our heartfelt sympathies to Mari’s family, friends, teammates and… pic.twitter.com/OZc5MciWH7

The Elleven45 club said that it is cooperating with authorities in 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,” the club’s statement said. “Our hearts go out to all those impacted, and we extend our deepest sympathies to the individuals and families who have suffered loss and injury.”