A former college soccer player has been identified as the 26-year-old woman found dead in the waters off one of the nation's wealthiest beach communities in San Diego. Bryn Waite was discovered floating in shallow water near La Jolla Shores Beach on Wednesday morning, prompting an investigation by local authorities.
Emergency personnel responded around 9:30 a.m. after a bystander reported an unresponsive person in the water near the Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial Pier. Officers and lifeguards with San Diego Fire-Rescue arrived at the scene. Waite was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office. The San Diego Police Department has taken the lead in the investigation.
The Medical Examiner's Office listed the place of injury as «Ocean – Undetermined» and noted that the date and time of injury are unknown. The cause and manner of death remain pending as investigators work to determine what happened. Authorities have not disclosed whether Waite had been reported missing before her body was discovered, nor have they said whether foul play is suspected.
Waite, originally from Anchorage, Alaska, played soccer at Central Washington University in Ellensburg. She appeared as a defender during the 2018 and 2019 seasons, making eight starts in 15 games and tallying two assists over 723 career minutes. In 2019, she earned Great Northwest Athletic Conference All-Academic Team honors, reflecting her performance both on the field and in the classroom.
Friends told local media that Waite had been living in San Diego and had recently become engaged. One friend described her as «incredibly sweet, genuinely kind, and having such a beautiful spirit.» Another friend who knew Waite through church said she «listened and loved» and would be deeply missed. The friend added that Waite «loved animals and the beach.» Her public Instagram account featured photos from travels, including a visit to Joshua Tree National Park. Her final post, shared three days before her body was found, showed a nighttime scene with the caption, «It only gets better.»
La Jolla Shores Beach is part of the affluent La Jolla community, known for its high property values and scenic coastline. The beach is a popular destination for swimmers, surfers, and families. The discovery of Waite's body has drawn attention to the area, but police have released few details about the circumstances.
The investigation remains active. The San Diego Police Department has not responded to requests for additional information. The Medical Examiner's Office has not released an estimated time of death. Central Washington University has not issued a public statement. As the inquiry continues, those who knew Waite remember her as a kind and accomplished young woman whose life ended far too soon.
