Beloved Atlanta business owner killed in car crash honored

ATLANTA - The South Fulton City Council has proclaimed April 5 "Nikki Bolden Appreciation Day" in honor of a beloved Atlanta business owner killed in a tragic car crash.

A shining light dimmed when Nikki Bolden was killed in a single car accident on a ramp to I-85 after she left Spondivitz near the Atlanta airport two weekends ago.

But Bolden’s family and friends say they are working to turn their sorrow into celebration for a woman, they say, touched so many lives.

“Nikki Bolden will live on forever," said Crystal Short, a friend of Bolden. "Her name means something. When people hear that name, they know what she's done in that community.” 

Her friends told FOX 5’s George Franco that Bolden was a business woman, who owned the Front Row Early Learning Academy Day Care, the Smoking Room Cigar and Hookah Lounge and the Baby Grand Piano Bar.

All of her businesses were on Old National Highway, where, supporters say, Bolden made a big difference.

“Old National was Nikki, when you ride up Old National. She was truly the queen of Old National,” said Alona Collins, a family friend.

The city's mayor, council and family spokesman, Marcus Coleman, all noted the collaboration between government and the community in trying to bring improvements to Old National Highway, in Nikki Bolden's name.

"There's some tragedy take place there so it's a necessary balance to highlight a shining light,” said Coleman.

Now, Bolden’s two boys, parents, loved ones and community will remember her every April 5, proclaimed Nikki Bolden day in the City of South Fulton.

“When you have someone that's leading and doing something good for the community it warms your heart.”