COLUMBUS, Ga. – A community in Georgia mourns the tragic loss of a 16-year-old high school student who was fatally shot over his prom weekend. Daryus Bryant, a student-athlete at Manchester High School, was described as excelling in both academics and sports, leaving behind a promising future that was cut short by senseless violence.
The heartbreaking incident took place early Sunday morning at the intersection of Lakeshore Drive and Crystal Drive in Columbus when a third vehicle drove by and opened fire on two separate cars, leaving Daryus Bryant and another student, Clarence Favors, with gunshot wounds. While Daryus succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital, Clarence was rushed into surgery, fighting for his life.
Daryus’ father, Cartarsman Bryant, expressed his devastation over the loss of his son, emphasizing the need for stricter gun control laws and action from politicians to curb the escalating gun violence in the community. Describing his son as a humble and homebody teenager who was not involved in any street gangs, Cartarsman highlighted Daryus’ dedication to his athletic pursuits, leading teams to championships in football, basketball, and track.
As a well-respected student with multiple college offers and a bright future ahead of him, Daryus’ untimely death has left a void in the lives of his family, friends, and the entire community. The grieving father called on the perpetrator responsible for his son’s death, urging them to face the consequences of their actions and acknowledging the lasting impact of their senseless act of violence on his family and the community.
The tragedy of Daryus Bryant’s death marks the second instance of a Manchester student falling victim to gun violence within a year, underscoring the urgent need for authorities to address the root causes of such incidents and prevent further loss of young lives. Despite ongoing investigations into the shooting, no arrests have been made thus far, leaving the community gripped by grief and seeking justice for the fallen teenager.
As the community grapples with the devastating loss of a promising young talent, the memory of Daryus Bryant serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need to address the issue of gun violence and its impact on families and communities across the nation. In honoring his legacy, efforts to prevent such tragedies and hold accountable those responsible must take precedence to ensure a safer future for the youth of tomorrow.