The day after her birthday, Syria Fifer sent a text to her grandfather, the Rev. James Fifer. “Granddaddy, how ya’ doing?” she wrote, along with a thumbs-up emoji, according to television news reports. It was the last time the two communicated with each other.
Fifer was among the five young people killed after a Memphis police cruiser collided with their vehicle at about 12:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, at the intersection of Hickory Hill and East Raines roads. The officers were responding to a call.
Television news outlets also report a sixth passenger from the civilian car remains hospitalized in critical condition. The Tennessee Highway Patrol is investigating.
This week, families across the city are still holding on to moments like Fifer’s text message, mourning the tragic loss.
Fifer was attending school to earn a degree. Her cousin Carlesha Fifer would have turned 20 in a month. Messiah Lee had become a certified nursing assistant more than a year earlier. And Rodney McNeal Jr. was known as the cousin who showed up for everyone.
The family of the fifth crash victim, who was a minor, has asked that all identifying details remain private. “Let the family grieve,” said Samantha Dowden, Carlesha’s aunt.
What matters now for those who loved the five young people whose lives were cut short is the memory of who they were.
Syria Fifer, 21
Described by her family as a beautiful soul and an angel on Earth, Fifer was known for bringing happiness into any room and making others feel loved.
Her grandfather, who has spent decades as a pastor at Acacia Baptist Church and Christian Center, often comforts other families through loss. “When it comes my time, it’s different,” he told WREG News Channel 3.
Carlesha Fifer, 19
Carlesha was “one of the funniest, happiest, goofiest kids you would ever meet,” said her mother, Shoneke Williams, who shared with WMC Action News 5 that her daughter always told the truth and loved color for her hair, nails and shoes.
She was a homebody who enjoyed watching TV and spending time on her phone and computer, Williams said. She had finally decided to go out — never knowing it would be the last time.
Williams said she grieves milestones such as driving a first car that her daughter will never reach.
Messiah Lee, 20
Lee, who completed the certified nursing assistant program in July 2025 at Professional Allied Health, a healthcare career training school, was a bright young woman with “a beautiful spirit and a promising future ahead of her,” according to the school’s Facebook feed.
“Although her time with us was far too short, Messiah will forever hold a special place in our hearts and will always be a part of the PAH family,” the post continued.
Rodney McNeal Jr., 20
At Hamilton High School, McNeal found a second family in coach Cory Robinson, who told WMC Action News 5 that he watched “Lil Rodney” grow up, always smiling and laughing, able to make others laugh.
A cousin told WREG she had never once seen him sad and that he could be counted on to show up no matter what. Ta’Nia Davis, a friend who had known him since 9th grade, said at the memorial site that those mourning him should come together and “spread the love like he did,” FOX13 reported.
Gathering to remember
On consecutive nights after the fatal collision, relatives and friends gathered with candles and balloons near the crash site. Pink, purple and red balloons — representing each girl’s favorite color — were released during an Oct. 13 vigil for Messiah, Syria and Carlesha.
The students, cousins, teammates and friends were just getting started. Although the full stories of their lives will never be known, loved ones say they are determined to ensure these five young people are remembered.
Funeral services for Syria and Carlesha Fifer are set for 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at New Bethel M.B. Church, 7768 Poplar Pike, Germantown, Tennessee, according to a Facebook post on the account for their grandfather’s church.
Lee’s service is also scheduled for 12 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at Travelers Rest Baptist Church, 1641 Sydney St., Memphis.
McNeal’s funeral service will be held at Greater New Liberty Baptist Church, 250 E. Raines Road, Memphis, at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 31.
