Nationwide — Moses Russ, a 24-year-old African American man from Atlanta, Georgia, tragically passed away in a motorcycle crash while on his way to the police academy, just months after beginning his career as an Atlanta Police Department recruit. His family, friends, and fellow recruits later gathered to honor his life and remember the young man they said was committed to helping others and serving his community.
The vigil was held at Shirley C. Franklin Park in northwest Atlanta, where Russ’ loved ones chose to celebrate his life instead of focusing on the circumstances of his death. Green balloons, handwritten messages, and stories about him filled the park as those who knew him talked about his personality, smile, and love of music. His girlfriend, Daydia Bryant, told the crowd that Russ would not have wanted the gathering to be filled with sadness. “This is supposed to be a celebratory time, so everybody laugh with each other,” she said, according to 11Alive. “Moses wouldn’t want anybody to be sad.”
Russ had only recently started his police training, but his family said his desire to serve others went beyond his new career. An Atlanta police lieutenant at the vigil reflected on the future Russ never got to experience. “You see a lot of ranks out here, sergeants, majors, but we all started as recruits,” the lieutenant said. “I started 25 years ago, and Moses never got the opportunity to advance and become an officer.” The lieutenant also said Russ would never be forgotten by those who knew him.
His aunt, Shirelle Cruz, remembered how excited he remained about becoming a police officer, even when training became difficult. “Even with challenging times, even with all the different things that he had to go through with the recruits and the training, he would come back and just explain, and he was excited,” she said. Fellow recruits also remembered his love of music and the time they spent making music together. Bryant said the people who came to the vigil showed how many lives Russ had touched. “Moses would love all of this. These are all his people,” she said.
Faith also played a role as Russ’ family mourned his death. Those gathered prayed together and gave thanks for his life, saying it “was not in vain.” His mother spoke about the last time she saw her son and said she was grateful they were able to tell each other they loved one another. She encouraged others to do the same with the people who matter to them. “Please say ‘I love you’ to them because nobody knows when it’s going to be the last moment that you’ll hear their voice,” she said. The crowd later came together for one final message: “We love you, Mo!”
Russ’ family and friends hope his memory will live on through the way others treat their communities and the people around them. They encouraged those who knew him to keep showing love, helping others, and being present when their communities need support. Although his time with the Atlanta Police Department lasted only a few months, his loved ones said he left behind memories that will stay with them.