Remerton, Georgia — In a tragic turn of events, a young bartender, Brianna “Bri” Long, 21, lost her life in a shooting at The Pier Bar just outside Valdosta, Georgia. The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday around 2:30 a.m. during what authorities believe was a street altercation outside the bar. Long, who was dutifully closing the bar with her colleagues after a night’s work, became an unintended victim when bullets from the altercation outside penetrated the bar.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) reported that Long was promptly transported to a hospital following the shooting, where she later succumbed to her injuries. The GBI’s initial investigation revealed that several vehicles in the bar’s parking lot were also struck by gunfire. The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to identify and apprehend the individual or individuals responsible for this senseless act.
In addition to her role at the bar, Long was a fourth-year dental hygiene major at Valdosta State University, hailing from Dallas, Georgia. She was known for her commitment to her studies, completing her final clinical courses at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College. The university and college communities are reeling from the loss, with Valdosta State University expressing deep condolences and describing Long’s death as a “senseless loss” impacting the entire VSU community.
The Pier Bar, where Long worked, took to Instagram to honor her memory, describing Long as a “beautiful soul” whose kindness and love impacted everyone she met. The bar’s tribute reflected the profound sorrow and loss felt by those who knew her.
Further illustrating Long’s vibrant life and impact, her alma mater, Paulding County High School in Marietta, Georgia, shared memories of her achievements, including being a dedicated soccer player and a 2019-2020 Regional Winner for Positive Athlete. The school’s proud recognition of her accomplishment among thousands of student athletes underscores the profound grief felt by her community and peers.
Authorities continue their search for the perpetrator of this crime, as a community and family mourn the loss of a young life full of potential and kindness. The senseless nature of the violence has left the community in shock, calling for justice and answers in the wake of tragedy.