On Oct. 8, University of North Georgia student Chigozie “Charles” Duru died from injuries in a crash at the intersection of Morrison Moore Parkway and Barlow Road in Lumpkin County. He was a senior pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management at the Dahlonega campus.

Investigators have identified Edwin Miranda as the motorist involved in the incident. Miranda is charged with second-degree vehicular homicide in connection to the crash. Authorities say Miranda failed to yield to an oncoming motorcycle. 

Originally from Dallas, Georgia, Duru began taking classes at Georgia Military College in 2019 and transferred to UNG in 2023. 

Duru served as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army National Guard. He also participated in UNG’s Black Student Union and was a member of the African American Male Initiative and Catholic Campus Ministries. 

“Charles was one of the finest young men I will ever know. He was quiet and very respectful. However, his smile could light up a room! If you were ever down, his positively would always [radiate] through your storm. He will be very missed!” Karen Armstrong, Administrative Officer

The university will add Duru’s name to the Memorial Marker on the Dahlonega campus at the annual UNG Remembers Day on Apr. 30, 2025.

As family, friends and the UNG community mourn Duru’s passing, the university has encouraged students to take advantage of its counseling and support services.