Jibri Bryan never let injuries deter him. The sixth-year senior battled through a season-ending injury as a redshirt sophomore and a knee injury this year, which kept him out of 17 games this year. But he never stopped.
When some doubted his return, he stormed the court in a shining knee brace – all while his 2-year-old son watched from the sideline, eagerly awaiting for the opportunity to crawl into his father’s arm at the end of the game.
But Bryan's comeback came to a tragic end inside a parked white Monte Carlo. Bryan was shot in the head and killed by an unknown gunman Tuesday afternoon at 4 p.m. at the Flash Foods gas station on the corner of Forsyth and College streets. He was 23.
According to a report by Joe Kovac, Jr., of The Telegraph, Bryan was taken to a local hospital with his injuries. The Telegraph confirmed that he died later, becoming the first homicide in Macon this calendar year. Wednesday, Kovac updated the story with news that Bibb County sheriff's investigators charged Jarvis Clinton Miller with the murder.
"Jibri Bryan was a very special man who was a great contributor to our team and did everything that was asked of him," said Mercer head coach Bob Hoffman in an official statement released by the team. "He was important to us in every way. I loved him and cared about him from the very first time he was on our campus. We grew to be very close over the years. Our thoughts and prayers are with his special family."
Mercer University President William D. Underwood also released a statement showing his support for the Bryan family while Athletic Director Jim Cole said in his statement that not only will the basketball team miss Bryan's company but so will the athletics department.
"The Mercer athletic family is deeply saddened by Jibri's passing," Cole said. "Jibri was always cheerful and greeted everyone in the department with a smile."
But Hoffman, Underwood and Cole weren't the only ones to show support for Bryan, the Mercer family and Mercer basketball Tuesday. Twitter erupted after the news was released, and the hashtag #BearStrong became a commonality among supporters.
My roommate. My teammate. My brother. Please Lord wake me up from this nightmare.
— Bud Thomas (@BudThomas245) February 3, 2016
The world is short one good man today. We won't ever forget you Bree. @BooksAndBall #together
— Jakob Gollon (@CoachGollon) February 3, 2016
Rest in paradise bro #34 pic.twitter.com/ueSQ0F1orN
— Ikechukwu Nwamu (@ike_nwamu) February 3, 2016
Please Lord just wake me up from this nightmare
— TJ HanzIce Hallice (@Hallice30) February 3, 2016
There could never of been a better brother or teammate. Jibri Bryan you will truly be missed. pic.twitter.com/dLsNfphSmn
— Daniel Coursey (@StayTheCourse52) February 3, 2016
One of the strongest men I knew, nothing he couldn't handle...I love you more than you will ever know Bree https://t.co/YLkRwg8ZlU
— Bud Thomas (@BudThomas245) February 3, 2016
I'm so upset I can't even cry
— Monty Brown (@MU_Baller45) February 3, 2016
You will always be my brother
— TJ HanzIce Hallice (@Hallice30) February 3, 2016
This has to just be a nightmare! I love you bro!
— Langston Hall (@langston21) February 3, 2016
Current teammates commented:
#34? the rest of my career for you man!
— STOWE (@BeGreatStowe) February 3, 2016
At a loss for words right now. Love you Jibri and I'm gonna do everything in my power to help look after your son for the rest of my life
— Tyre Moore (@tyremoore4) February 3, 2016
My heart is broken as I have lost not just my teammate but my brother Jibri I love you forever you will live in my heart always. RIP#34...
— jordan strawberry (@jstrawberry_0) February 3, 2016
Rest easy, fam. We love and miss you, Jibri. #34 #bearstrong
— Lawrence Brown (@Lawrence25Brown) February 3, 2016
Rest in peace Jibri. You will truly be missed. We love you brother. #RIP34
— Ethan Stair (@Ethan15Stair) February 3, 2016
Students and fellow athletes also showed support:
Genuinely one of the nicest people I've ever met. Prayers go out to the Bryan family. #BearStrong
— David Murtaugh (@Dirtymurty27) February 3, 2016
It's times like these when you're reminded how precious life is. Keep mercer in your prayers tonight #bearstrong
— Tricia Surber (@SuperSurber13) February 3, 2016
Prayers out to Mercer tonight. Incredible player, incredible person. #34 sad to see you go. #bearstrong
— Michael Wagner (@Mwagner48) February 3, 2016
It's like I'm just waiting to wake up from a dream.
— Tony Perella (@TheTonyPerella) February 3, 2016
I'm speechless, but now's not a time for words, only prayers.
— Monica Johnson (@monicajohnsn) February 3, 2016
As a redshirt junior, Bryan started all of Mercer’s 35 games and recorded career highs in points (7.8), rebounds (4.4), assists (1.3) and steals (1.4). This season, the senior averaged 3.2 points and 2.7 rebounds per game.
A candlelight vigil will be held for Bryan on Cruz Plaza at 9 p.m. on Wednesday. The event will be moved to Hawkins Arena if it rains.
