San Diego, California (February 7, 2026) — The Pacific Beach community is mourning the loss of Qwente Bryant, 41, who was struck and killed while walking home from work early Saturday morning in what police are investigating as a possible hit-and-run crash.
Bryant, known affectionately as “Q,” was the assistant general manager at Tavern at the Beach. According to the San Diego Police Department, he was walking along Garnet Avenue just east of Gresham Street around 2:00 a.m. after finishing his Friday night shift when the collision occurred.
Incident Details: Police received multiple reports of a man lying in the roadway on Garnet Avenue. When officers arrived, they determined Bryant had been struck by a vehicle. He was transported to a hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
Investigators believe the suspect vehicle may be a white SUV with damage near the front passenger-side headlight. Authorities have not confirmed whether drugs or alcohol were factors. As of now, no arrest has been announced.
Bryant had worked at Tavern at the Beach for nearly four years and was described by colleagues as a central figure in the restaurant and broader Pacific Beach community. The restaurant temporarily closed in the days following his death as staff and community members gathered to grieve.
Investigation: The San Diego Police Department is continuing its investigation into whether the crash qualifies as a hit-and-run and is actively seeking information from witnesses. In cases like this, investigators typically review surveillance footage from nearby businesses, traffic cameras, and residential security systems to track the suspected vehicle’s movements before and after the collision.
Accident reconstruction experts will likely examine skid marks, debris fields, lighting conditions, and the point of impact to determine how the crash occurred. If the vehicle fled the scene, investigators may also work with body shops and insurance carriers to identify vehicles that recently sustained front-end damage consistent with the reported description.
Given that Garnet Avenue is a busy corridor even late at night, authorities may also analyze traffic patterns and pedestrian visibility conditions at the time of the crash. Establishing whether the driver failed to stop, failed to yield, or was traveling at an unsafe speed will be central to determining criminal liability.
Legal Considerations: Hit-and-run crashes carry significant criminal penalties in California, particularly when they result in serious injury or death. Drivers involved in collisions are legally required to stop, render aid, and exchange information. Fleeing the scene can elevate charges and dramatically increase potential penalties.
Walking home from work should never involve the danger of death. The law acknowledges that drivers have a duty to operate their vehicles with reasonable care, particularly in areas with high pedestrian traffic.
Pending the outcome of the investigation, Bryant’s family may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim if a responsible driver is identified. These claims can address funeral expenses, lost income, and the immeasurable emotional loss suffered by loved ones.
To Bryant’s family, friends, coworkers, and the Pacific Beach community, I offer my deepest condolences during this heartbreaking time.
Source: ABC 10News San Diego