Oluwabukola Pereira, a 30-year-old Nigerian athlete and postgraduate student, was reportedly shot d£ad in the United States just days before her planned MBA graduation.
Pereira lost her life on Friday, May 8, during a robbery incident at Arise Auto Center in Lockland, Ohio, where she was employed.
The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office has since launched an investigation into the incident, although authorities have not officially confirmed the exact motive behind the shooting.
Speaking to local television station Marcella Porter TV, an employee at the auto shop, Don Simpson, alleged that Pereira attempted to pursue a suspect who reportedly fled with about $1,500 before she was shot.
“She was loyal, good and brave,” Mr Simpson said. “She came to this country trying to build a good life.”
Originally from Nigeria, Pereira was expected to graduate from Xavier University on Saturday, May 16, with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree.
The university also revealed that she had already secured admission for another postgraduate programme in Business Analytics scheduled to begin later this year.
In a statement released by university president Colleen Hanycz, Pereira was described as someone known for her positivity, strong faith, and kind-hearted nature.
“Friends describe her as kind, honest, intelligent and beautiful — inside and out,” the statement read.
Aside from academics, Pereira was also active in sports and belonged to Cincinnati’s Elite running group, where she participated in several races, including the Flying Pig Marathon.
Her family described her as “a bright and shining star” who dedicated her life to prayer, worship, and helping others.
Pereira, who was the first of four children, was also preparing for her wedding later this year after getting engaged in 2025.
Meanwhile, police authorities have appealed to members of the public to provide any useful information that could assist ongoing investigations.
According to the sheriff’s office, the suspect is believed to be a man between the ages of 25 and 35. Investigators described him as Black or Hispanic with long braided hair or dreadlocks and said he was last seen fleeing toward the Gardner Park area.