Ayana Paul Car Accident: A Tragic Loss of a Military Student

By James Mercado On Oct 14, 2023

Ayana Marie Paul was a 24-year-old North Carolina Central University student who died in a car crash on September 29, 2023. She was also a military officer who served in the U.S. Navy as an operations specialist. Her death has left a deep impact on her family, friends, and the NCCU community.

Who was Ayana Paul?

Ayana Paul was a San Diego native who transferred to NCCU as a first-year student in 2023. She was majoring in recreation administration and had aspirations of becoming an athletic trainer. She was also a proud member of the U.S. Navy, stationed in Virginia. She balanced her academic and military duties with dedication and excellence.

According to her family, Ayana was a loving, caring, and adventurous person who enjoyed travelling, hiking, and spending time with her loved ones. She was also a role model and an inspiration for many people, especially young women of colour who wanted to pursue careers in the military or sports.

What Happened in the Car Accident?

The car accident that claimed Ayana’s life occurred in Virginia Beach on September 29, 2023. According to the police, Ayana was driving her Chrysler when another vehicle hit her from behind, causing her to lose control and crash into a tree. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the other vehicle fled the scene and has not been identified yet. The police are still investigating the cause of the accident and are asking for any witnesses or information that could help them find the suspect. Anyone with information can call the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP or submit a tip online.

We mourn the loss of Ayana Paul, a first-year transfer student from San Diego studying recreation administration. Our thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones:

#NCCUCommunity | We mourn the loss of Ayana Paul, a first-year transfer student from San Diego studying recreation administration. Our thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones. | READ MORE: https://t.co/7gOUWan3M6 pic.twitter.com/HhHFOwaXvG

— North Carolina Central University (@NCCU) October 12, 2023

How Has the NCCU Community Reacted to Ayana’s Death?

The NCCU community has expressed its grief and condolences over Ayana’s death. The Chancellor of the university, Dr. Johnson O. Akinleye, issued a statement saying:

“Paul, a first-year transfer student from San Diego, was pursuing her studies in recreation administration. She was a proud member of the U.S. Navy operations specialist and harbored dreams of becoming an athletic trainer. Her passion for her field and her commitment to her studies and military service were deeply respected and admired by her peers and instructors alike. Paul will be remembered fondly by the NCCU community, her friends, and her family.”

The university also held a candlelight vigil on October 12, 2023, to honour Ayana’s memory and celebrate her life. The vigil was attended by hundreds of students, faculty, staff, and alumni who shared their stories and tributes to Ayana.

Additionally, the university has offered counselling and support services to anyone who needs them during this difficult time. Anyone who needs assistance can contact the Counseling Center at 919-530-7646 or visit NCCU.edu/counseling.

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How Can You Help Ayana’s Family?

Ayana’s family has set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds for her funeral expenses and to support her two younger siblings who are still in school. The page has already raised over $20,000 from more than 400 donors as of October 14, 2023.

If you would like to donate or share your condolences with Ayana’s family, you can visit the GoFundMe page at Ayana Marie Paul Funeral Expenses.

Conclusion

Ayana Paul’s car accident was a tragic event that took away a young and promising life. Ayana was not only a student and a military officer, but also a daughter, a sister, a friend, and an inspiration for many people. Her legacy will live on through her family, friends, and the NCCU community.

We hope that this article has provided you with some information and insight into Ayana’s life and death. We also hope that you will join us in praying for her family and friends as they cope with this loss.

Rest in peace, Ayana Marie Paul. You will be missed.

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