COLUMBUS, Ga. – A tragic incident has left the community of Columbus, Georgia, in shock after a 16-year-old high school student, Daryus Bryant, was fatally shot over his prom weekend. Described as excelling in both academics and athletics by Manchester High School officials, Bryant’s bright future was abruptly cut short by senseless gun violence.
The shooting took place early Sunday morning at the intersection of Lakeshore Drive and Crystal Drive in Columbus, where officers found Bryant and another student, Clarence Favors, suffering from gunshot wounds in separate cars. While Bryant tragically succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital, Favors was rushed into surgery. The devastating loss has left Bryant’s family and the community reeling from the senseless act of violence.
Bryant’s father, Cartarsman Bryant, expressed his devastation over the loss of his son, highlighting Daryus’ humble and homebody nature. Not someone involved in street gangs or violence, Daryus was a dedicated student-athlete who had a promising future ahead of him. With multiple college offers on the table and a strong athletic career at Manchester High School, his potential was cut short by this tragedy.
In the wake of his son’s death, Cartarsman Bryant has called for action to address the escalating issue of gun violence, emphasizing the need for policymakers to prioritize addressing this urgent matter. As the investigation into the shooting continues and no arrests have been made thus far, the community mourns the second loss of a Manchester student to gun violence in the past year.
The heartbreaking loss of Daryus Bryant serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of gun violence on families and communities. As the investigation unfolds, the community seeks justice for the promising young student-athlete whose life was cut short in a senseless act of violence. The grief and pain felt by those who knew Daryus Bryant are a poignant reminder of the urgent need to address the root causes of gun violence in our society.