College commencements were big news in May and are typically a time of joy. But, many would call the most popular story of the week among myAJC readers a tragedy.
Clark Atlanta University studey Alexis Jones-Rhodes disappeared on the way to graduation ceremonies Monday, and her parents, who attended the commencement and expected to see their daughter walk across the stage and receive a diploma were alarmed by her absence. The school said Jones-Rhodes was not eligible for graduation. Police said Jones-Rhodes, who lives in the Decatur area with her parents, was located Thursday afternoon and was safe. No criminal activity was involved, police said, and further details were not provided. Her parents thanked the community and police for helping search for their daughter.
A musician and arts advocate from Atlanta were killed in a car wreck in southeast Georgia Wednesday. Frank Barham, who, in the 1980s was left a paraplegic after a car wreck, was restricted to a wheelchair at the age of 24. At age 59, another wreck ended his life as well as that of his friend, Margaret Kargbo, 36, an Atlanta arts activist and public relations professional. Barham was raising funds to purchase wheelchairs for those who couldn't afford them by pushing his wheelchair on a 302-mile journey through the state. His trip coincided with the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Kargbo was in a van following Barham on Ga. 21 when it was hit from behind by a loaded gas tanker tractor-trailer in Screven County, according to Georgia State Patrol. The van crashed into Barham, who was in his wheelchair on the roadway. Kargo and Barham were killed in the wreck. The driver of the tractor-trailer, Kenneth W. Richards, 46, of North Augusta, S.C., was not injured. The accident is under investigation.
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