By: Richard Kim, Contributing Writer
Photo from McDavid’s obituary on dignitymemorial.com

On Saturday, Nov. 23, the South Alabama community lost one of its own. Nolan McDavid was involved in a fatal accident driving home from work.

A graduate of James Madison High School, McDavid lived with his family in Citronelle, Alabama. He studied AutoCAD Drafting & Design at Coastal Alabama Community College before transferring to the University of South Alabama. Here, he was pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering and was set to graduate in 2027. He actively participated in extracurricular activities, such as the South Alabama Film Society (SAFS).

For many days after McDavid’s death, his family sought answers about the circumstances leading up to his death. His mother, Randi Jones, posted on Facebook imploring anyone who was in the surrounding area at the time of the incident to come forward. She believed that a party on the evening of Friday, Nov. 22 around the Mason Ferry and Boothtown area led to her son’s death. She said that Nolan was a responsible son who never drank or did drugs.

Since then, according to FOX10, a 17 year-old Wilmer boy has been accused and charged of manslaughter as an adult after colliding with McDavid’s car head-on.

A number of students who knew McDavid shared their memories with “The Vanguard.”

“I had the privilege of being Nolan’s roommate for a while, and I can earnestly say Nolan was such a great guy to be around,” said Thomas Diep, a junior. “He was one of the friendliest, nicest guys a person could ever meet. You could always tell when he was talking about something he loved because he would speak with so much passion behind his words. I got to see him around his family once or twice, and you could really tell how much he loved them even from the little that I saw. I hate that he passed so young and in such an unfair way. I hope he’s resting easy wherever he is.”

“I wasn’t the closest to Nolan, but we talked a lot at SAFS,” said Audrey Borgatti, a sophomore. “Every time I walked in on Wednesdays, I’d always look to see if the club officers were there and then I’d see if Nolan was there. He was always at meetings and so I heavily associate the club with him. I’d also see him around campus a lot. He was always nice to talk to. He had such a positive energy surrounding him and he just seemed enthusiastic about any topic we talked about. Nolan was a kindhearted person, anyone who spoke with him could see that. His passing is something that shouldn’t have happened, but it did because someone else got behind the wheel when they shouldn’t have. No one should have their life taken like that. It’s awful and I feel deeply for Nolan and his family. In the year that I knew him, I know that I’m happy to have met him and talked with him. I know he won’t ever be forgotten by anyone who knew him. I speak on the behalf of many others when I say that.”

“I didn’t know Nolan very well, but before film club meetings, me and him would talk about movies he’d recently seen,” said Colby Harrington, a senior. “It’s kind of rare to find someone really passionate about something, but he really loved talking about movies. The thing I’m going to miss the most about him is those little talks before [SAFS] club meetings. He was always positive and optimistic. He really loved discussing art that he thought was meaningful. I hate that he’s gone, even though I didn’t know him very well it hurt. I’ve never heard a single person ever say anything negative about him. He seemed like one of the nicest people. I wish I had gotten more time to get to know him.”

A celebration of McDavid’s life was held on December 12, 2024, at Radney Funeral Home. Condolences may be offered at www.radneyfuneralhome-mobile.com. “The Vanguard” sends its deepest condolences to the family of Nolan McDavid.