Mari Creighton Obituary, Death: Memorial held for ASU volleyball player killed in Fulton County shooting.
Mari Creighton Obituary, Death – Albany State University held a memorial for volleyball player Mari Creighton, who was tragically killed in a Buckhead shooting earlier this year. The memorial took place on what would have been her senior night, November 10, during the women’s volleyball game. Creighton, who was 21, lost her life in a shooting at Elleven45 lounge in May.
Taylor Holmes, Creighton’s niece, shared her fond memories of her aunt, recalling her joyful presence. “She lights up the whole room everywhere she goes. She’s always with me no matter where I go, and I post her everywhere,” Holmes told WALB.
Creighton’s coach, Vernice Graham, explained the timing of the memorial. The tribute was planned on senior night, in a match against Benedict College, Creighton’s former school. “She spent two years at Benedict before transferring to Albany State, so this felt like the perfect day to honor her,” said Graham. She also praised Creighton’s dedication and work ethic, describing her as a player who constantly motivated her teammates and never showed a bad day.
The shooting that took Creighton’s life also claimed another victim, Nykris Ridley, and injured four others. The suspect, Karanji Reese, later turned himself in to authorities. Following the tragedy, a judge ordered the lounge to close, and The Atlanta Beltline Inc. has since purchased the building for redevelopment.
