Atlanta, Georgia – A tragic shooting at an Atlanta area nightclub has left the Albany State University athletics community reeling. Mariam Creighton, a volleyball player at Albany State, was one of two individuals fatally wounded during the incident at Elleven45 nightclub on Sunday morning.
Albany State’s athletic director, Kristene Kelly, expressed profound sadness over the loss of Creighton, describing her as a beautiful soul. Creighton, a former standout player at Stockbridge High School, was remembered as a great young lady by her former volleyball coach, John Holladay.
Creighton initially began her collegiate career at Benedict College before transferring to Albany State. During her time at Albany State, she participated in seven games in the 2023 season, making a positive impact on the team.
Elleven45, the nightclub where the shooting took place, has been associated with several violent incidents over the years. Concerns about the nightclub’s impact on the neighborhood led to a petition calling for its closure due to increased crime rates and alleged irresponsible ownership.
According to reports, the Atlanta Police received numerous emergency calls related to Elleven45 in 2019 alone. At a recent Atlanta City Council meeting, Police Chief Darin Schierbaum disclosed that the shooting stemmed from a fight inside the club, although the intended target could not be confirmed.
Authorities are currently searching for the suspect, with hopes of identifying and apprehending them soon. The tragic event has left the Albany State University community in mourning, with a profound impact on Creighton’s loved ones and the entire athletic program.