Family and Friends Mourn the Loss of Qwente Bryant After Fatal Hit-and-Run in Pacific Beach

San Diego, Calif. – The Pacific Beach community is reeling from a tragic incident that resulted in the death of 41-year-old Qwente Bryant early Saturday morning. Authorities have confirmed that they have recovered the SUV believed to be involved in the hit-and-run accident that took Bryant's life.

Incident Overview

The accident occurred around 2 a.m. on Saturday when Bryant, who served as the assistant general manager at the Tavern at the Beach, was crossing the street mid-block on Garnet Avenue. Witnesses reported that a white Mercedes SUV traveling westbound struck him. The driver fled the scene, last seen heading north on Gresham Street. San Diego police were able to recover the vehicle in Mission Valley, but the suspect remains unidentified.

Bryant's brother expressed the family's devastation over the loss, stating, “We know it wasn’t intentional, but the moment you fled the scene, it became the most coward, selfish, and heartless act.”

Community Response

In the wake of this tragedy, coworkers and friends of Bryant have come together to support his family. The Tavern at the Beach, where Bryant worked, has temporarily closed its doors in honor of their colleague and friend. Many patrons and fellow employees took to social media to share their memories of him and express their grief.

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to assist Bryant's family during this difficult time. As of now, over $32,000 has been raised, with the fundraiser highlighting Bryant's remarkable presence in the lives of those who knew him. The page describes him as “more than a familiar face. He was a presence. He had a way of making people feel seen, welcomed, and at ease.”

A Life Well-Lived

Bryant was beloved not just by his coworkers and friends but also by his family. His companions recall his zest for life, mentioning that he traveled to more than 20 countries. He possessed a unique ability to forge genuine connections with people, irrespective of their backgrounds. “He simply loved conversing and building relationships,” his brother reflected. “He had this rare ability to make genuine friends, no matter where he went.”

Call for Justice

As the investigation continues, Bryant’s family is urging the suspect to come forward. “Running, looking over your shoulder is no way to live,” his brother stated. “Do the right thing, get my family, especially his mom, some sense of closure.”

As San Diego police work on identifying and locating the driver responsible for this tragic accident, the community remains in mourning for a man who touched many lives. The impact of this loss is being deeply felt, and the hope for justice remains strong among family, friends, and the larger Pacific Beach community.

For those wishing to contribute to the GoFundMe campaign to help Bryant's family during this difficult time, it can be accessed here.