The Mass Media major, who worked on Netflix’s “A Different World” sequel, was struck by a driver going nearly 95 mph in a 35 mph zone during homecoming week.
ATLANTA — A 21-year-old Clark Atlanta University senior was killed late Tuesday night when her vehicle was struck by a driver traveling nearly 95 mph in a 35 mph zone, police said.
”Everybody loved Morgan,” a Clark Atlanta student who did not want to be named told AtlantaFi. “She was headed for greatest. She was already great at 21.”
Clark Atlanta Student, 21, Killed in High-Speed Crash; Driver Charged With Vehicular Homicide
Morgan Gamble, a Mass Media Arts senior, was driving a 2016 Mazda CX5 westbound on Glen (also reported as Glenn) Street and crossing Hank Aaron Drive around 11:15–11:30 p.m. on October 13 when a Lexus driven northbound by Nikolai Dunford collided with her car at the Summerhill neighborhood intersection. Officers found Gamble with critical injuries; she was transported to Grady Memorial Hospital, where she later died.
Investigators obtained data from Dunford’s vehicle event data recorder, which showed a speed of 94.4 mph. Dunford, 36, was arrested at the scene and charged with speeding, reckless driving, and first-degree vehicular homicide (also described as homicide by vehicle in the first degree). He was booked into the Fulton County Jail and was scheduled to appear in court Thursday. The investigation remains ongoing.
Gamble had worked as a student assistant and background performer on the Netflix sequel to the classic series A Different World, and appeared in the pilot episode. Family members described her as driven by a lifelong passion for production.
“She knew what she wanted from day one. I think coming out of the womb. She wanted to produce, and she did it,” her mother, Brandi Gamble, told local media. Her father, George Gamble, said he encouraged her by having her study the career of producer Shonda Rhimes. She went on to produce short films, documentaries, and family talent shows.
George Gamble expressed disbelief at the circumstances: “I can’t imagine how you can drive 95 miles an hour in such a residential 35-mile-per-hour zone.” Brandi Gamble called the death “senseless” and said of the driver, “He deserves whatever it is justice will give him.”
Clark Atlanta University issued a statement during homecoming week: “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 university offered counseling and support services for students.
Students and neighbors who heard the impact described it as a “brutal sound.” Some have called for safety improvements, such as a traffic light or other traffic-calming measures, at the intersection.
Gamble was also remembered as a campus leader—including as Miss Omega Psi Phi—and as someone who started clubs and podcasts while mentoring younger film enthusiasts. She had ties to the university’s softball program and was known for her ambition and leadership.