Alabama State University students, faculty and administrative staff are mourning the loss of one of its own.
Gennia Grimes, a 21-year-old junior majoring in criminal justice and member of the HoneyBeez dance team, was pronounced dead Thursday, March 27.
The university sent out a statement on Friday that Grimes had died.
“Alabama State University is mourning the death of one its students who was tragically killed Thursday afternoon. We extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends and all who were touched by her kindness and spirit. Our thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones during this difficult time.”
Grimes was a 2021 graduate of Benjamin E. Mays High School in Southwest Atlanta. One of her dance videos went viral while at Mays High School and was featured on Access Hollywood.
Her dancing stage names were “Strawberry” and “Purple doll.”
Grimes believed she would one day be famous, likely from her show-stopping dance moves.
In 2024, she gave birth to a 9-month-old son, Rogers McCloud III, but headed back to the university determined to finish her studies.
Grimes’ mother told FOX 5, “My daughter did not deserve to die. My daughter was a superstar and everyone who knew her knew that. She knew she was a superstar, so she knew she was going to become famous. She knew that.”
Grimes’ family said they are waiting for the truth to come out and justice to be served.
Student Life Coordinator Kamela Kennedy, a mentor and good friend of Grimes, expressed her feelings regarding the loss of her friend and mentee.
“Gennia was a gentle soul, very quiet, very determined young lady,” she said. “She was good at accepting the “nos” in life, but at the same time, she wouldn’t take it for an answer because she was so determined. She would come at things in another direction. She would figure out how she can make a difference in her life and in the lives of others. Even though there were some blocks in the road sometimes, as college life will have, she still never wanted to be defeated.”
Kennedy described Grimes’ attitude toward her career.
“She never gave up,” she said. “Her sky was always unlimited to what she wanted to do. Dance was her thing that just gave her the encouragement and drive, and she was in a whole different world when she was dancing. Very creative young lady.”
Kennedy said that she always enjoyed being around her closest friends on campus, or her “besties” as I would call them. I am honored to be considered all of their ‘campus mom.’
She just had this radiating friendly spirit. I am definitely going to miss her check in text messages and her telling me she missed me. She was that person that just would brighten your day.