In a heartbreaking incident, a 21-year-old bartender, identified as Brianna “Bri” Long, was fatally shot at The Pier Bar, located just outside Valdosta, Georgia. The shooting took place in the early hours of Saturday, around 2:30 a.m., amid what law enforcement officials suspect was a street fight outside the establishment. Long, who was in the process of closing the bar with her coworkers after a night’s shift, was inadvertently caught in the crossfire when bullets from the outside dispute pierced the bar’s walls.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) confirmed that Long was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital following the incident, where she tragically succumbed to her injuries. Preliminary findings from the GBI’s investigation indicate that several cars parked in the bar’s lot were also hit by the gunfire. The investigation is currently ongoing as law enforcement officials strive to identify and apprehend the person or persons responsible for this senseless act of violence.
Long was not only a bartender but also a fourth-year dental hygiene student at Valdosta State University, originally from Dallas, Georgia. She was recognized for her dedication to her studies, having completed her final clinical courses at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College. The university and college communities are grappling with the loss, with Valdosta State University expressing deep condolences and characterizing Long’s death as a “senseless loss” that has deeply affected the entire VSU community.
The Pier Bar, Long’s place of employment, paid tribute to her on Instagram, describing her as a “beautiful soul” whose kindness and love touched everyone she encountered. The bar’s homage echoed the deep sadness and loss experienced by those who knew her.
Long’s vibrant life and impact were further highlighted by her former high school, Paulding County High School in Marietta, Georgia. The school shared memories of her accomplishments, including her dedication as a soccer player and her recognition as a 2019-2020 Regional Winner for Positive Athlete. The school’s proud acknowledgment of her achievements among thousands of student athletes underscores the deep sorrow felt by her community and peers.
As law enforcement officials continue their search for the individual responsible for this crime, a community and family are left to mourn the loss of a young woman whose life was marked by potential and kindness. The senseless nature of the violence has left the community in shock, with calls for justice and answers in the aftermath of this tragedy.