Nigerian athlete Oluwabukola Pereira was shot dead in the United States just days before she was due to graduate with a Master of Business Administration degree from Xavier University.
Pereira was reportedly killed on Friday, May 8, during an apparent robbery at Arise Auto Center in Hamilton County, where she worked. According to a coworker, Don Simpson, Pereira chased a suspect who allegedly fled with about $1,500 before she was shot. Simpson described her as “loyal, good and brave” and said “she came to this country trying to build a good life”.
Originally from Nigeria, Pereira was scheduled to graduate on May 16 and had already gained admission to begin another postgraduate program in Business Analytics later in the year. Xavier University President Colleen Hanycz said she was known for her “positivity, deep faith and generous spirit,” adding that friends described her as “kind, honest, intelligent and beautiful — inside and out”.
Beyond her studies, Pereira was an active athlete with Cincinnati’s Elite running group and had participated in races including the Flying Pig Marathon. Her family called her “a bright and shining star” who dedicated her life to worship, prayer and helping others. She was the first of four children and was preparing to marry later in 2026 after getting engaged in 2025.
The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office said the suspect is a man between 25 and 35 years old, described as Black or Hispanic with long hair in braids or dreadlocks, last seen running toward the Gardner Park area.
