Family needs help to bring home HBCU scholar who died one semester before getting law degree

Sulaimane “Sulay” Bangura, a promising law student at North Carolina Central University who was nearing the finish line of his legal studies, lost his life in a devastating motorcycle crash in Raleigh.

He was 28.

Now, his loved ones are rallying to bring Bangura to his homeland of Sierra Leone.

HBCU scholar passes away

Bangura was widely known for his kindness, humility and dedication to community, traits that shone through his work both in and out of the classroom. His family shared that he was living with “purpose and pride” and poured “love into everyone he met,” according to a fundraising campaign launched in the aftermath of his death.

Originally from Sierra Leone, Bangura aspired to use his law degree to champion justice and uplift underserved communities. He also served as a legal intern with the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts.

Fundraiser to bring Sulaimane “Sulay” Bangura home

His loved ones are now raising money to fulfill one final wish—to return his body to his homeland for burial. The fundraiser underscores Bangura’s enduring connection to his roots and the community’s commitment to honoring his legacy.

“Sulay was kind, generous, humble and endlessly compassionate,” the GoFundMe page reads. “He lived with purpose and poured love into everyone he met.”

The circumstances surrounding the accident remain under investigation.

Community support

Anyone wishing to support the family’s efforts can find the verified fundraiser through the provided link. Donations will help cover repatriation costs and memorial arrangements in Sierra Leone.

For continued updates on Sulay’s memorial and fundraising efforts, visit the GoFundMe page linked here.