A Nigerian athlete, Oluwabukola Pereira, was shot dead in the United States just days before she was scheduled to graduate with a Master of Business Administration.
Pereira was reportedly slain on Friday, May 8, during an alleged robbery at Arise Auto Center, where she works.
According to local reports, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the event, although investigators have yet to identify a motive.
Don Simpson, an employee at the repair shop, told local television station Marcella Porter TV that Pereira attempted to chase a suspect who allegedly left with $1,500 before being shot.
“She was loyal, good, and brave,” Mr. Simpson said. “She came to this country trying to build a good life.”
Pereira, who is originally from Nigeria, was set to graduate from Xavier University with an MBA on May 16. According to the university, she has also been admitted to another master’s program in business analytics beginning later this year.
Xavier University President Colleen Hanycz said Pereira was known for her “positivity, deep faith, and generous spirit.”
“Friends describe her as kind, honest, intelligent and beautiful — inside and out,” the statement read.
Aside from academics, Pereira was an enthusiastic athlete and member of Cincinnati’s Elite running group, competing in various races, including the Flying Pig Marathon.
Aside from academics, Pereira was an enthusiastic athlete and member of Cincinnati’s Elite running group, competing in various races, including the Flying Pig Marathon.
Her relatives hailed her as “a bright and shining star” who spent her life in worship, prayer, and service to others.
It was learned that Pereira was the first of four children and was planning to marry later this year after becoming engaged in 2025.
According to the sheriff’s office, the suspect is a Black or Hispanic man about 25 to 35 with long hair done in braids or dreadlocks. He was last spotted fleeing towards the Gardner Park neighborhood.
Authorities have urged anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers as investigations continue.
