A 20-year-old college basketball player was killed in a shooting on a Nashville interstate while driving back to campus with friends, authorities said.
Andre Bell, a sophomore at Fisk University, was shot while traveling north on Interstate 65 near the Interstate 40 interchange late Sunday night. He was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he died early Monday, according to police.
Bell, a Business Administration major from Jackson, Tennessee, was a member of Fisk University’s men’s basketball team. The shooting is being investigated by the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department’s Homicide Unit. Investigators said a motive has not yet been determined.
What Police Say Happened
According to investigators, Bell and two friends had attended a gymnastics event at the fairgrounds before entering the interstate to return to campus. Bell was driving a white Nissan Sentra.
While traveling on I-65, Bell’s passengers reported noticing a dark-colored sedan in the lane next to them. The friends told police they were momentarily distracted by their cellphones when they suddenly heard multiple gunshots and realized Bell had been struck.
After the shooting, the Nissan slowed and spun back into traffic, where it collided with a red pickup truck. The dark sedan continued driving and did not stop, police said.
Bell suffered a gunshot wound to the head and was critically injured at the scene.
Investigators said evidence recovered from the roadway suggests the suspect vehicle may have sustained damage to its windshield, based on shattered glass found nearby.
University and Team React
Fisk University officials said Bell had been returning to campus after volunteering to assist with a university gymnastics meet when the shooting occurred.
Athletics leaders described the killing as a devastating loss for the school community, calling the incident a senseless act of violence. The university said counseling services are being made available to student-athletes and others affected by the tragedy.
Bell’s basketball coach said the sophomore was a leader both on and off the court, remembered not only for his performance as a player but for his character, kindness and positive presence. He added that Bell was admired by teammates and younger students who looked up to him.
Investigation Ongoing
Police are asking for the public’s help as the investigation continues. Authorities are seeking information about the dark sedan involved in the shooting, the people inside it, or any dashcam footage captured in the area around the time of the incident.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers. Tips can be provided anonymously, and a cash reward may be available.