2 Morehouse Students Die In Labor Day Crash

ATLANTA, GA — Two Morehouse College students were killed in a Labor Day crash, the college said in a Facebook post Tuesday.

Morehouse did not detail the crash but said it claimed the lives of Hugh Douglas and Christion Files Jr., both slated to graduate in 2025. According to the college, the two students were both friends and roommates during their sophomore year.

"Their loss is deeply felt by all of us in the Morehouse family," school officials said in the post.

Atlanta News First reported the deadly crash happened around 5 p.m. near Linwood Avenue and Church Street in East Point, where a speeding car passed another car near a curve and left the roadway. The outlet reported the first car hit a utility pole, rotated and overturned after hitting a second utility pole.

Douglas was majoring in business administration with a concentration in finance. He was a Morehouse Business Association member, an AltFinance fellow and a Goldman Sachs fellow, according to the school. His summer internship took place at Ares Management Corporation in Los Angeles, California.

Morehouse said Douglas "displayed immense dedication and promise" and showed "his commitment to excellence in his field."

According to Atlanta News First, Douglas was the son of former NFL defensive end Hugh Douglas.

Files also majored in business administration but with a concentration in marketing. He served as the co-captain of the Morehouse track and field team, media chair for the Junior Class Council and as a member of the Morehouse Business Association.

"Beyond these achievements, Christion was known for his photography and videography skills, which he used to create high-quality content for students, campus organizations, Morehouse Athletics and the college's marketing office," school officials said in the post.

Morehouse said counseling services are offered by appointment to students by calling (470) 639-0231. The Student Mental Health Center is located on the lower level of Brazeal House.

Faculty and staff in need of counseling can call the Cigna Behavior Hotline, (866) 912-3339, or the Life Assistance Program, (800) 538-3543.

"During these difficult times, we must come together as a community to remember and celebrate the lives of Hugh and Christion. They leave a legacy of excellence, passion and dedication that will continue to inspire us all. We extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of Hugh and Christion. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this incredibly challenging time," school officials said in the post.

"Morehouse, let us carry both Hugh and Christion's torches and ensure their lights continue to shine through how we choose to live out our lives."