A former standout high school soccer athlete met a tragic fate as she was fatally hit by an errant bullet while on duty at a bar in Georgia, as reported by law enforcement.
At the age of 21, Brianna Long was in the process of concluding her responsibilities at The Pier in Remerton, alongside a colleague, when a disturbance outdoors escalated into gunfire at approximately 2:30 a.m. on a Sunday.
Long was hit by the bullet while within the premises. Subsequently, she was transported to South Georgia Medical Center, where, regrettably, she succumbed to her injuries, as confirmed by the authorities.
During the incident, numerous customers were located outside the eatery, and gunfire also caused damage to several vehicles, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). Fortunately, there were no other reported injuries.
As of now, there have been no individuals identified as suspects, and law enforcement has not made any arrests in connection with the case.
Long had previously distinguished herself as a prominent soccer player during her time at Paulding County High School.
During her tenure at PHS, Long achieved recognition as the regional recipient of the Positive Athlete Georgia award from among 5,000 student-athletes nominated during the 2019-2020 academic year.
Her obituary indicated that she had been enrolled at Valdosta State University and was on track to attain a Bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene, with an anticipated graduation date in May 2024.
“Brianna had an unparalleled ability to light up a room and make everyone around her feel loved. With her infectious laughter and genuine personality, she never met a stranger. Her genuine compassion and empathy endeared her to countless individuals, leaving an indelible mark on their lives,” her family said.