From the Tribune staff reports
CLAY — Destiny Washington who was shot and killed outside the Hill Student Center on the UAB campus on Thursday night had “so much potential,” Clay-Chalkville High School principal Michael Lee said Friday morning. She was an outstanding student and athlete for the Cougars.
“The news of Destiny’s passing breaks my heart,” Lee said.
Washington was a 2018 graduate of the school. Lee said this type of news was his worst nightmare.
“She was an outstanding student who excelled in AP classes while she attended CCHS,” Lee said. “She was also a member of our volleyball and basketball teams. As great of a student and athlete, as she was, she was an even better person who genuinely cared for others.”
Brandee Crenshaw, Washington’s sister, said Washington was close to being certified as a Registered Nurse.
“My sister was a smart, beautiful Black queen,” Crenshaw said. “She was about to be a certified RN in May 2021. Destiny loved her family more than anything & her nephew Arion the most. My sister was the most helpful & outgoing person you would meet. She was sweet as pie & didn’t bother anyone.”
Crenshaw went onto say her sister did not deserve what happened to her.
Washington was completing classes at Lawson State through UAB’s Joint Admission Program with dreams of becoming a nurse to help others.
According to the Birmingham police, Washington was shot while sitting in a vehicle outside of the Hill Student Center at about 9:45 p.m. on Thursday. She was transported to Childrens Hospital of Birmingham by private vehicle where was pronounced dead.
UAB released a statement saying authorities believe the shooting happened during a meeting arranged to sell headphones.
“We are devastated that tragedy hit the UAB family overnight when a student lost her life after being shot in the parking lot outside the Hill Student Center,” the school said. “Police believe this occurred during a meeting arranged to sell headphones. Because this is an ongoing investigation, and out of respect for the victim and her family, we are not sharing additional information at this time. However, we will when it is appropriate. In the meantime, please keep the victim and her family and friends in your thoughts and prayers.”
Lee said Washington will be remembered for her positive impact on others.
“The thing I remember most about Destiny was her smile,” Lee said. “The Clay-Chalkville High School family mourns this loss and we send our thoughts and prayers to her family.”
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