By Ashleigh Fields
Special to the AFRO
Local journalists, church members and the broader community in the District are mourning the loss of 26 year old Marckell Williams, who was killed in a Jan. 7 car crash.
Williams, an internationally known photojournalist, is remembered for frequently capturing the essence of political, religious and public events that united the broader community. At the time of his death, he was a valued member of the Black Press and worked for Washington Informer.
“Marckell lived here in Ward 8, in Anacostia, and was an incredibly gifted and talented photographer. Over the years, I ran into him often, from teen to adulthood—and he was always the same: smiling, positive, full of God’s light,” said Ward 8 Democrat Chairman Troy Donte Preswood, in a statement.
Williams was a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and a graduate of the University of Miami. He held a degree in public relations and a triple minor in music business, Africana studies and art with a concentration in photography. The United Negro College Fund Scholar served as an on campus mentor and residential assistant in addition to other roles in Florida before moving back to his hometown in Washington, D.C.
“Marckell was more than a talented photographer — he was a colleague and a young man with a bright future and a love for storytelling,” said a statement from District Heights Commissioner Anthony Tilghman.
“Marckell brought heart, integrity, and excellence to every assignment. As a fellow photographer, I truly enjoyed working with him and valued the conversations we shared about our craft, our journeys, and the stories we were trying to tell. He had a genuine passion for photography and for the people behind every frame,” he added.
Tilghman continued, “His loss is a painful reminder of how fragile life is, and how much impact one person can make in a short time. My thoughts and prayers are with Marckell’s family, friends, and everyone who had the privilege of working alongside him.”
In an official statement Omega Psi Phi Fraternity described Williams as a “gifted photojournalist, a visual storyteller whose lens captured the dignity, culture, and lived experiences of our people with care and intention.”
Others echoed the same praise.
“Heartbroken doesn’t even begin to sum up my emotions. This young brother was a talented photographer who never hesitated to get his passport stamped. We went on several missions as a team as I wrote the articles and he took the photos,” said Washington Informer writer, Sam P.K. Collins, in a post to his Instagram.
“Along the way, I learned about his upbringing and his vision. He was solid, without question. A life gone way too soon. We don’t belong to anyone but the Most High. Not even our parents. We don’t know the day nor the hour, so until then we stay prayed up and we give thanks for this fragile thing called life. Rest in Zion Marckell. Much love and ras-pect,” said Collins.
Williams was walking to Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church, where he was baptized a year prior, when he was struck by driver Santana Matthews, who was involved in a collision after running a red light at the intersection with L and 16th Street.
Matthews struck a Toyota Corolla and eventually ran into Williams, who was treated by EMS on the scene for injuries that eventually claimed his life.
Three other vehicles were involved and two additional victims were transported to local hospitals for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
Matthews has been charged with second-degree murder for Williams’ death and is currently being held without bond pending a preliminary hearing scheduled for Jan. 27, according to the Justice Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamie Carter will lead the prosecution.
Members of Williams’ beloved fraternity say he will surely be missed.
“I cannot explain why bad things happen to good people. I have no answers for why this young man’s vibrant life, full of light, was cut short so suddenly and randomly. I cannot fathom the immense pain felt by his father — my fraternity brother — his younger brother, and the rest of his family. Some things are simply inexplicable,” filmmaker Byron Hurt said in a statement. “Rest in peace to young Aaron Marckell Williams, Omicron Delta ‘18, the son and legacy of Anthony Maurice Williams, Gamma ‘91. May he rest in power in Omega Chapter.”
CORRECTION: This article has been updated to reflect the proper spelling of Marckell Williams’ name. The AFRO deeply regrets this error.