Pedestrian safety in Pacific Beach is in the spotlight after another possible hit-and-run death

Family says 41-year-old Qwente Bryant was killed on Garnet Avenue, three weeks after a hit-and-run driver killed a 6-year-old boy.

If a picture’s worth a thousand words, friends say a photograph of Bryant, better known as Q, surrounded by a group of kids in Southeast Asia, would tell you he’s traveled to more than two dozen countries and was a man of the people.

“He is very electric,” said Q’s friend and former roommate, Mohab Hassanin. “His sense of humor is immaculate. The way that he grabs people because of his generosity — he’s welcoming.”

That welcoming personality was extinguished around 2 a.m. Saturday morning, according to friends and family. They say Q was leaving his job as a manager at Tavern at the Beach.

San Diego police received multiple calls of a man lying in the street near Sandbox  Pizza, on Garnet, and that he was possibly the victim of a hit-and-run driver. Bryant was just over a quarter-mile from his home when he was killed.

Bryant’s death comes three weeks after 6-year-old Hudson O’loughlin was killed by a hit-and-run driver on Pacific Beach Drive. The two deadly incidents occurred about a half-mile apart.

Investigators are searching for a white SUV, possibly a Mercedes, with front-end damage, in connection with Bryant’s death.

“I mean, enough is enough,” Hassanin said.

In the wake of the two deaths, friends and Pacific Beach residents are calling on city leaders to make even more traffic safety changes, despite crossing lights at some nearby intersections.

“More police enforcement — people aren’t going to learn unless they start getting tickets and fines for their negligent driving,” said Pacific Beach resident Ryan Torres.

The most current data from T.I.M.S., the Transportation Injury Mapping System, doesn’t show the two most recent, deadly crashes, but it does show that, between 2021 and late last year, there were 79 car versus pedestrian and bicycle crashes within a half-mile of where Bryant was found. While none were fatal, 14 people suffered severe injuries.

Through a family member, Q’s mother sent NBC 7 the following statement:

“What happened to my son is a tragedy. The person who took him from us acted with complete disregard for human life. I remain hopeful that [those] responsible will be brought to justice to the full extent of the law. “

“Things have to change, things need to change, and San Diego leaders needs to take action,” Hassanin said.

While friends and family await justice, they’ve established an online fundraiser. And outside Tavern on the Beach, there’s a memorial and signs saying that the bar is temporarily closed so his friends and co-workers can deal with their grief.

Frontwave Arena in Oceanside has packed its 2026 calendar with everything from USA Basketball World Cup Qualifiers to a brand-new professional BMX racing league.

Since opening in September 2024, the 7,500-seat venue has established itself as North County San Diego’s go-to spot for live sports and entertainment, and this year’s lineup keeps that momentum going strong.

USA Basketball, G League, and Indoor Soccer

Team USA takes the court for two FIBA World Cup Qualifier games, facing the Dominican Republic on February 26 and Mexico on March 1.

The San Diego Clippers are back for their second NBA G League season with 24 home games running through March 28, complete with themed giveaway nights.

The San Diego Sockers return for their 2026 MASL season with 12 home matches through March 29, bringing fast-paced indoor soccer from one of the league’s most successful franchises.

Wrestling, Futsal Exhibitions, and BMX Racing

All Elite Wrestling returns on February 21 for AEW Collision, delivering the high-energy atmosphere, diverse roster, and unpredictable storylines that put fans right in the middle of the action.

Icons vs Creators hits the arena on March 7, marking the first-ever premier futsal-style indoor soccer exhibition in the U.S. The event brings together legendary international soccer icons and top influencers for a crossover event that blends sport and pop culture.

The big debut happens this summer when Frontwave hosts the BMXGP1 League on June 21, a brand-new professional indoor BMX racing league. The 12-round season runs every Sunday through September 13 on a custom-built course where speed decides the winner, not judges or tricks.

Comedy and Music Headliners

Michael McIntyre brings his Hello America! tour to Frontwave on March 18, marking the UK comedy star’s first-ever U.S. tour. McIntyre has sold out arenas around the world, including record-breaking runs at London’s O2 Arena, and his sharp observational stand-up has racked up hundreds of millions of online views.

MercyMe’s Wonder + Awe Tour stops in Oceanside on April 16, with the 10x-Platinum band joined by Big Daddy Weave, Tim Timmons, and Sam Wesley for a high-energy night of music and community.

Summer Tuesday Series Returns

The Summer Tuesday Series transforms the arena into a midweek destination from June 16 through August 11. Select nights feature live World Cup matches broadcast on the arena videoboard, paired with themed activations like Taco Tuesdays.

Expect local food vendors, drink specials, DJs or live music, interactive games, and community partner pop-ups throughout the series.

See you there!

Frontwave Arena continues proving that North County deserves its own major venue, and 2026’s lineup gives us plenty of reasons to make the drive to Oceanside.

📍 3475 Hero Dr, Oceanside
ℹ️ More info here

See you there, San Diego!