According to the San Diego Police Department, officers responded to multiple calls just after 2am late on Saturday, February 7, reporting a male pedestrian lying in the roadway near Garnet Avenue and Gresham Street. First responders attempted life-saving measures at the scene before transporting the victim to Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, where he later died from his injuries. Investigators believe the pedestrian was struck by a vehicle that fled the area before police arrived.
While SDPD has not publicly released the victim’s identity, multiple sources have identified him as Laqwente “Qwente” Bryant, 41, a well-known and deeply respected member of the Pacific Beach community. Friends say Bryant had recently finished his shift at Tavern at the Beach on Friday night and was last seen in the area hours before the collision occurred.
The crash reportedly happened in front of Redemption Tattoo at 1440 Garnet Avenue, directly across the street from Sandbox Pizza and less than three blocks from Tavern at the Beach. Investigators are searching for a white SUV, possibly a Mercedes, that may have sustained front-end damage near the headlight. At this time, police have not confirmed whether drugs or alcohol were factors in the collision.
The loss has sent shockwaves through Pacific Beach’s tight-knit hospitality and service community. Tavern at the Beach announced it would close through the weekend and into early this week, citing the sudden passing of a “beloved member of our Tavern family.” Messages of support quickly poured in from neighboring businesses and longtime locals, reflecting the deep impact Bryant had on those around him. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help support Qwente’s family with funeral and memorial service expenses.
Friends describe Qwente Bryant as kind, adventurous, and full of life. An avid traveler, he had visited 26 countries and was known for his warmth, curiosity, and generosity, traits that made him a familiar and welcome presence. His death has left many struggling to reconcile how someone so vibrant could be taken so suddenly.
Qwente Bryant’s death comes amid a troubling and ongoing pattern of traffic violence in Pacific Beach. Just weeks earlier, the community gathered to mourn Hudson O’Loughlin, a 6-year-old boy who was killed in a hit-and-run while riding his bike with his family near Pacific Beach Drive and Ingraham Avenue. Hudson was struck in broad daylight, less than two blocks from his home, and the driver fled the scene. His death sparked public memorials and renewed calls from families and safety advocates for slower streets, stronger enforcement, and meaningful infrastructure changes. Together, these tragedies have left Pacific Beach residents grappling with the same haunting question: how many lives must be lost before meaningful action is taken to make neighborhood streets safer for everyone.
The San Diego Police Department’s Traffic Division continues to investigate the recent incident and is urging anyone with information to come forward. Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has information about the suspect vehicle is asked to contact SDPD at 619-531-2000 or Crime Stoppers at 888-580-TIPS (8477).
As the investigation continues, the Pacific Beach community is left mourning a life lost far too soon while hoping for accountability, answers, and justice for a man who meant so much to so many.
As the investigation continues, the Pacific Beach community is left mourning a life lost far too soon while hoping for accountability, answers, and justice for a man who meant so much to so many.
Donate to "Honoring Qwente Bryant’s Life and Legacy" GoFundMe here.
Originally published on February 8, 2026.