College Basketball Player, 20, Killed in Shooting on Highway While Driving Back to Campus with Friends By Madison E. Goldberg

A 20-year-old college basketball player was fatally shot on a Nashville highway on Sunday, Jan. 11.

Andre Bell was a sophomore at Fisk University, where he studied Business Administration and was a student-athlete who played for the school’s basketball team, the university said in a statement. The 20-year-old, who was originally from Jackson, Tenn., died at Vanderbilt University Medical Center on Monday, Jan. 12, according to the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department.

MNPD’s Homicide Unit is investigating the shooting, which occurred on Sunday, Jan. 11, on the I-65 north highway at the I-40 interchange, according to the MNPD.

“The motive is undetermined at present,” MNPD said.

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“The investigation to this point shows 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. Bell’s friends reported noticing a dark sedan in the left lane beside them,” police said. “Both said they were distracted by their cellphones when they suddenly heard multiple gunshots and realized Bell had been hit.”

“The Sentra slowed and spun back into traffic before colliding with a red pickup truck. The dark sedan kept going,” police continued, noting that Bell suffered a gunshot wound to the head in the fatal shooting.

“Evidence suggests that the car from which the shots were fired likely has windshield damage based on the shattered glass at the scene,” the MNPD wrote.

“Our Fisk Athletics family is absolutely devastated by the news that one of our own has been taken from us in a senseless act of violence,” Fisk Athletics Director Valencia Jordan wrote alongside the school’s statement, adding that Bell was “headed back to campus after volunteering to help with our Fisk University gymnastics meet when this tragic incident occurred.”

“Our hearts go out to his family at this most difficult time,” Jordan continued. “We will stand with them and support them in every way possible. We are a family that learns, loves, plays, and prays together and will continue to do so. Counseling is being provided for our team of athletes who are understandably heartbroken.”

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“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,” Fisk basketball coach Jeremiah Crutcher wrote.

Crutcher went on to note that while Bell was a “dominant force” on the court, 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,” Crutcher continued.

Anyone with information on the dark sedan, the people inside it, or anyone with dashcam footage from the time of the shooting is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463. Callers to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and qualify for a cash reward.

PEOPLE has reached out to the MNPD for comment.