The tragic hijacking incident last Tuesday on a Gwinnett County Transit bus left one man dead, a family mourning, and a community in shock. Ernest Byrd Jr., a 58-year-old father of seven and grandfather to another seven, was shot with his own gun and killed during the ordeal. Jazzmyn Byrd, his daughter, has spoken out about her father's life and legacy, emphasizing how deeply he is missed by his loved ones. In a statement obtained by FOX 5, she recounted his constant support and his daily positive messages, sharing the last tweet he sent her.
Byrd Jr., known for his kindness and active engagement as a Freemason within his community, had a long-standing dedication to mental health advocacy. His daughter highlighted this aspect of his life in her comments to FOX 5, noting his years of work in a mental health facility. The suspect, 39-year-old Joseph Grier, was reported to have struggled with mental illness himself, a point that Byrd's family mentioned, stressing the need to raise awareness and evoke change around the issue of mental health.
Further insights into the life of Byrd Jr. were given in a phone interview with Atlanta News First, where his daughter described him as the "ultimate family man," who had been on his normal commute when he became part of the hijacking incident. The family has also extended a plea to the community to refrain from judgment and to approach the situation with understanding, respecting the dignity of all individuals involved.
The chaotic pursuit of the hijacked bus was captured on video by bystanders Krista Howington and her father-in-law Steve, who found themselves caught in the unfolding crisis. "It was an intense situation due to, the sheer number of patrol officers that were coming by not to mention that the bus was going a minimum of 60 mph," Steve Howington said in an interview with Atlanta News First. Their footage, now seen by millions, shows the hijacked bus with flat tires weaving through traffic under the pursuit of law enforcement.
The violent end to this hijacking on Hugh Howell Road in DeKalb County has sparked a conversation on the crisis of mental illness and its impact, made all the more poignant by Byrd Jr.'s advocacy and untimely death. His family's message resonates beyond personal loss, seeking to impart a legacy of compassion and understanding in the face of such tragedies.
