NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – The family of the college basketball player who was shot and killed on an interstate in Nashville is speaking out following this tragedy.
Andre Bell, 20, was shot on I-65 North as he and some teammates were returning to campus after volunteering to help with the university’s gymnastics meet.
The university shared a statement from Bell’s mother, Amber Lewis, on Tuesday afternoon: “Our hearts and our world are completely shattered. Andre is the light of our lives. He’s not just my precious son, but he is a loving grandson and doting big brother to siblings who look up to him and deeply admire him.”
Lewis shared that her son’s final basket was a dunk during Saturday’s game.
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The family’s statement is below:
“Our hearts and our world are completely shattered. Andre is the light of our lives. He’s not just my precious son, but he is a loving grandson and doting big brother to siblings who look up to him and deeply admire him.
As a mother, to birth and then bury your child is the unthinkable. He was taken away from us too soon and robbed of a full life.
We are hurting immensely. Words cannot describe the pain we are feeling. But despite how indescribable it is, we remain encouraged by the deep impact he made on this world during his time on this earth.
Andre inspired his friends, teammates and his brothers; he encouraged them to be good and keep their head up; he motivated them to perform their best on the court and in the classroom, he made them laugh and would hug them when they cried, he would always be the first to help someone or give to them whatever he had to help them. Andre is the light that we all needed.
Andre is loveable, kind, giving, and never without a smile that felt like a warm hug.
His impact is evident in the way this community, his teammates, and his classmates have responded and rallied around us. It gives me peace, comfort, and hope.
Thank you to everyone who has reached out and supported us. We cannot thank you enough.
The road ahead is long but our family’s faith and the precious memories of our Andre will carry us through.”
Police have not yet identified a motive in the shooting.
MNPD believes that Bell and two friends got onto the interstate in Bell’s white Nissan Sentra. Police said Bell’s friends reported noticing a dark sedan in the left lane beside them.
Both of them said they were distracted by their cellphones when they suddenly heard multiple gunshots and realized Bell had been hit, according to MNPD. The Nissan slowed and spun back into traffic before colliding with a red pickup truck.
The dark sedan continued traveling on the interstate, according to police. Police said evidence, including shattered glass at the scene, indicates the suspect’s vehicle likely has windshield damage.
“Anyone with information on the dark sedan, the person(s) in it, or anyone with dashcam footage from that area just after 8 p.m., is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463. Callers to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and qualify for a cash reward,” MNPD said.
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