Support Ernest's Family in Their Time of Loss

Our hearts ache as we share the devastating news of the loss of our beloved Ernest Byrd Jr. He was not just a husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and brother; he was the pillar of our family, a beacon of strength and love that illuminated our lives every single day.

Ernest was murdered after the bus he took to commute to and from work was highjacked in downtown Atlanta. He went missing around 4pm on June 11th, 2024, after getting off of work. The news of the highjacking broke at 4:30p. For hours his family waited for news of his whereabouts only to be be notified around 11p that night. He was the only slain victim of this incident in an effort to protect and defend the his fellow commuters.

Ernest's tragic passing has left us shattered and numb, grappling with the incomprehensible reality of a world without his presence. He was a man of unparalleled integrity and kindness, always putting the needs of others before his own. His courageous act of protecting his fellow commuters speaks volumes about the extraordinary character he possessed—a true hero in every sense of the word.

As we mourn the loss of Ernest, we are faced with the daunting task of laying him to rest and honoring his memory in a manner befitting of the remarkable man he was. However, the financial burden of arranging his funeral and flying him back to his hometown weighs heavily on our hearts, adding to the immense pain of our grief.

In this time of profound sorrow, we humbly reach out to you, our extended family, friends, and community, for your support and generosity. Your contributions, no matter how big or small, will help alleviate the financial strain and allow us to bid farewell to Ernest with the dignity and respect he deserves. Flying his remains from Atlanta to New York alone is $4,000. Please know that your contributions will be used honestly and appropriately.

Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we navigate through this dark and difficult journey of grief. Your kindness and compassion mean the world to us during this heartbreaking time, reminding us that we are not alone in our sorrow.

From the depths of our hearts, we thank you for standing by our side and helping us honor the memory of our beloved Ernest. Your love and support give us the strength to carry on, knowing that his legacy of love and kindness will forever live on in our hearts.

Thank you,

The Byrd Family