MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Tiana Dye harbored dreams of becoming a dermatologist and was on the fast track toward her goals.
The 21-year-old Clayton County native graduated from Riverdale High School in 2021, where the school said she was a student-athlete. She was a rising senior at Alabama State University who was set to graduate with a degree in biochemistry in the spring. She was also a member of the honor society and campus NAACP chapter, according to family.
A bright student with an even brighter future -- the world was at her fingertips.
Until it was ripped away, and loved ones are now left grieving the beautiful, youthful woman.
Dye was stabbed on July 14 and was sent to the hospital, where she died from her injuries. Montgomery Police said her body was found on Clanton Avenue, which is less than half a mile from Alabama State's campus.
Her mother, Danielle Luckett, said she received the devastating phone call on Sunday while she was at work.
"They told me that my daughter came in with a stab wound and that they did everything they could, but they couldn't save her," Luckett uttered through tears. "It was the worst day of my life. And it still is."
Luckett said doctors told her Dye was stabbed in the chest. She can't get the image out of her head.
"I see her laying there -- just trying to, probably, fight for her life," Luckett said.
Although Montgomery Police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding Dye's death, Luckett said she hasn't been satisfied with communication or action from authorities so far.
"We are taking the next steps, trying to find information," Luckett said. "The roommates are offering the information. They are writing statements. The DA's office needs to get on their job."
Luckett said she has Ring camera video of the entire day from where her daughter lived off campus. She also said her daughter communicated with her constantly. So, Luckett knew something was wrong.
Georgia family grieving after daughter stabbed to death while in college in Alabama
"I have footage of her putting the knife on the porch and talking on the phone to somebody," Luckett said.
11Alive has chosen not to share the footage, as investigators have not announced a person of interest, an arrest or a suspect.
"This does not seem like any accident or self-defense. I see my daughter being murdered and it being intentional," Luckett said. "And something has to be done."
Luckett said she's not giving up until whoever stabbed her daughter faces their day in court.
"I'm going to be on them like white on rice," Luckett said. "You are going to get justice for my daughter."
Since the tragedy, both the university and Dye's high school have offered condolences to loved ones. Riverdale High School, in particular, said that the family could use some additional support during this time and mentioned how she had maintained a spot on the Dean's list at Alabama State.
"Good evening, Raider Nation; just this past Sunday, former Raider from the graduating class of 2021, Tiana Dye’s life was unjustifiably cut short this past Sunday, and her family is in need of some additional support if you are able to do so," the statement read. "While Tiana was a former student-athlete here at Riverdale High School, she was entering her final semester at Alabama State University, where she maintained her spot on the Dean’s List. We are asking that you keep her family and friends in your thoughts/prayers as they navigate through this difficult time."
As communities grieve the loss, Luckett is grappling with the pain of having not been able to protect her daughter due to being in a different state.
"My heart breaks because I couldn't help her," Luckett said. "I don't know how to live forward knowing I'll never see my child again —ever."
Anyone with information is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 215-STOP, Secret Witness at 625-4000 or MPD at 625-2831. To help support Dye's family and help pay for funeral expenses, click here.
11Alive's More Than a Number series seeks to humanize crime coverage by "giving a face to the victim and a voice to the family." If you would like to honor a loved one you lost, you can use the form below or email us at MoreThanANumber@11alive.com to tell us about them, and we will add them to our memorial page.
If you need help or support in your time of loss, please visit our resource guide. For more details on this project, please visit 11alive.com/MoreThanANumber.