The late Ernest Byrd Jr. was a much beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and brother from Atlanta, Georgia. Tragically, Ernest was murdered after the bus he took to commute to and from work was hijacked in downtown Atlanta by a 19-time convicted felon with known mental illness. The felon got on the bus, began harassing commuters, and was extremely disruptive. Ernest went missing around 4 pm after getting off work, and the news of the hijacking broke at 4:30 pm. For hours, his family waited for news of his whereabouts, only to be notified around 11 pm that night that he was the only slain victim of this incident, having tried to protect and defend the people on the bus.
Ernest was known as a good and honorable man, a protector and provider for his family and community. He was an active member of his fraternity, the Freemasons, a role he took immense pride and joy in, and he was also a veteran. Ernest worked as a Building Engineer at a medical facility for mentally ill persons and was an avid traveler. He is survived by his seven children, nine grandchildren, his wife, ex-wife and mother of his children, his brother, his sister, and his lodge members.
Bryanna Byrd, organizing a fundraiser for Ernest’s family, shared, "We are all incredibly grateful for his life that he dedicated to loving, caring, and supporting his family. He was a strong male figure whose absence is deeply felt and will never be replaced." She emphasized that Ernest was the main provider not just for his household but for the overall family, supplementing financial burdens where needed. The family is seeking to raise $100,000 to support themselves during this challenging time.
"We, his family, kindly ask that you help us by giving whatever you are able and to please keep us in your prayers as we are grieving a tremendous loss," Bryanna Byrd added on the GoFundMe page.
The Byrd family is experiencing immense grief and the loss of a significant figure in their lives. Ernest Byrd Jr.’s dedication to his family and community will always be remembered, and his sacrifice in the face of danger highlights the selfless nature he embodied throughout his life.
Note:This post was written and edited by Matthew Adams, based on their expertise and research. It is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. We welcome your feedback and questions on this content. Please feel free to contact us.