The woman found deceased on Wednesday morning after her body washed ashore at San Diego’s La Jolla Shores Beach has been identified as Bryn Waite, 26, a former college soccer player. Waite was discovered floating in the water by a bystander who alerted the San Diego Police Department. She was pronounced dead at the scene, and the cause of death has not yet been determined.
Waite, who originally hailed from Anchorage, Alaska, played Division 2 women’s soccer at Central Washington University during the 2018 and 2019 seasons. Her online profile indicates she participated in at least 15 games, scoring two goals over more than 700 minutes of play.
Friends described Waite as having a “beautiful soul,” with one friend telling The California Post that Waite lived in San Diego and had recently become engaged. "She had a warmth about her that made people feel comfortable and cared for," the friend stated. "It’s clear that the light she carried touched so many lives, and I feel grateful to have crossed paths with her, even briefly."
Another friend, who knew Waite from church, shared that she had seen her just last week. "She was kind and sweet. She listened and loved. She is leaving behind friends and family that will miss her dearly," the friend added, noting Waite’s love for animals and the beach.
Waite’s Instagram posts indicated an enjoyment of travel, music, and art. A post from July 9 showed her attending the San Diego County Fair, and another from May documented a hike in Joshua Tree National Park. Three days prior to her death, Waite posted a picture of herself driving at night with the caption, “It only gets better.”
Central Washington University was contacted for comment regarding Waite's passing.