Atlanta police recruit dies in crash on Moreland Avenue
Atlanta police recruit dies in Moreland Avenue crash
An Atlanta police recruit died Tuesday morning after his motorcycle collided with an SUV on Moreland Avenue.
ATLANTA - An Atlanta police recruit on his way to training died Tuesday morning following a motorcycle crash on Moreland Avenue.
Atlanta police motorcycles seen outside Grady Hospital on September 1, 2026, after an agency employee died from a serious crash on Moreland Avenue and McDonough Boulevard. (FOX 5)
What we know:
Atlanta Police Department recruit Moses Russ, 24, died Tuesday morning while commuting to work on his motorcycle. The crash happened shortly before 7:15 a.m. near the intersection of Moreland Avenue and McDonough Boulevard SE.
Atlanta police recruit Moses Russ who died on September 1, 2026, after a serious crash on Moreland Avenue. (Credit: Atlanta Police Department)
Two staff members from the police academy happened to drive past the wreckage shortly after it occurred.
They immediately stopped to render life-saving care alongside Atlanta Fire Rescue Engine 13 until medical personnel arrived.
Paramedics transported Russ to Grady Memorial Hospital, where medical staff pronounced him deceased.
Atlanta Police recruit dies in motorcycle crash, mayor says
Atlanta city leaders hold a press conference to announce the tragic passing of Recruit Moses Russ, a 24-year-old employee of the Atlanta Police Department, who died in a motorcycle crash near Moreland Avenue and McDonough Boulevard SE.
The backstory:
Russ was in his 16th week of police academy training as part of recruit class 302.
Before joining the police department in March, he served two years with the Atlanta Department of Corrections and served in the U.S. Coast Guard.
Police recruit dies in morning crash near academy
Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum confirmed recruit Moses Russ died after a crash on Moreland Avenue. Two academy staff members stopped to render aid before realizing the victim was a fellow recruit.
During his training, Russ served a six-week deployment on the FIFA detail in downtown Atlanta, where his service caught the attention of department leadership.
He was living in Unity Place, a dedicated housing facility for police recruits on English Avenue.
What they're saying:
The Atlanta Police Department released the following statement on Russ' death:
"It is with profound sadness, that we announce the death of one of our Atlanta Police recruits. Recruit Moses Russ had begun the journey to become an Atlanta Police Officer, dedicating himself to a life of service to the City of Atlanta and its residents. Before joining APD, Recruit Russ served two years with the Atlanta City Detention Center (ACDC) and previously served on the United States Coast Guard.
Though his time with our department was brief, the commitment he made to serve will not be forgotten. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, Recruit Class #302, academy staff, and all who are mourning this tragic loss. Our thoughts and prayers remain with everyone who knew and loved him during this difficult time."
Gov. Brian Kemp sent out a post on X giving condolences to Russ' family and the Atlanta Police Department.
"Marty, the girls, and I are praying for Moses Russ’ family as well as the entire @Atlanta_Police community as they mourn his tragic loss. We send our deepest condolences to all who knew and loved him."
What's next:
City leaders, including Mayor Andre Dickens and Police Chief Darin Schierbaum, met with four recruit classes Tuesday to offer support.
Mental health professionals, chaplains and peer support teams are remaining on campus to help recruits and academy staff process the loss.
Department leaders plan to resume academy training once recruits have been given time to grieve.
Moses was scheduled to complete his academy requirements and enter field training later this year.
What we don't know:
Investigators have not yet determined what caused the collision.
Police confirmed that another vehicle was involved in the crash, but officials have not released the identity of that driver.
Authorities stated that the driver of the vehicle suffered no physical injuries during the incident.
The Georgia State Patrol is assisting local authorities as the investigation continues.