A 20-year-old Fisk University student was killed in a senseless act of violence while returning to campus on a Sunday night in Nashville, Tennessee. Andre Bell, a sophomore business administration major and a valued player on the university’s men’s basketball team, was fatally shot while driving on Interstate 65 North. The incident occurred around 8:08 p.m. on Sunday, January 11, 2026, near the complex interchange with Interstate 40, close to Fort Negley and the Adventure Science Center.
According to the preliminary police investigation, Bell was driving a white Nissan Sentra with two teammates as passengers. The group was returning to the Fisk University campus after volunteering at a university gymnastics event held at the fairgrounds.
As they traveled northbound, his passengers reported noticing a dark-colored sedan traveling in the left lane beside them. Both passengers stated they were momentarily distracted by their cell phones when they suddenly heard multiple gunshots.
The gunfire struck Andre Bell in the head. As a result, the Nissan Sentra slowed and spun out of control, crossing back into traffic before colliding with a red pickup truck. The dark sedan, from which the shots were fired, did not stop and continued traveling on the interstate, fleeing the scene. Emergency dispatch received two related shooting calls almost simultaneously from the area, prompting a major response that led to the complete closure of all northbound lanes of I-65 for investigation.
Andre Bell was rushed to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in “extremely critical” condition. Despite the efforts of medical staff, the Fisk University community was devastated to announce on Monday, January 12, that he had succumbed to his injuries. The other two occupants of the vehicle were physically uninjured but were left traumatized as key witnesses to the crime.
The Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) is actively investigating the shooting. While early reports from officials indicated the incident may have stemmed from a road rage encounter, the MNPD has stated that a definitive motive remains undetermined.
Investigators are seeking the dark sedan and have noted that evidence suggests the suspect’s vehicle may have damage to its windshield from the incident. A significant challenge in the case is the lack of license plate reader technology on that stretch of interstate, which police say hinders the ability to quickly identify fleeing vehicles.
In the wake of the tragedy, Bell is remembered as a bright scholar, a dominant athlete, and a young man of exceptional character. His basketball coach, Jeremiah Crutcher, said Bell was remembered most for “his infectious smile, loving personality, and unique ability to always bring warmth to a room”.
His parents described him as a “perfect” and self-motivated Christian young man who was devoted to his family. In a final act of his giving nature, his family honored his legacy by organizing for him to be an organ donor. Authorities urge anyone with information, particularly dashcam footage from the area around 8 p.m. that night, to contact Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463.