The former college soccer player whose body was found off San Diego’s La Jolla Shores Beach last week had been preparing for a new chapter with her fiancé after their engagement just one month earlier.
Bryn Waite, 26, celebrated the milestone on Instagram, sharing a series of photos with her partner and writing in the caption: “He Promises.”
In the images posted to her profile on June 15, Waite showed off a large blue-stone ring as the couple posed together in several smiling selfies.
The carousel included close-ups of her engagement ring, photos of the pair holding hands while watching a movie, several car selfies, and images of a sunset, flowers and quote posters.
She had recently relocated to San Diego as she looked ahead to getting married.
Waite, a former National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) women’s soccer player, was discovered Wednesday morning after a beachgoer spotted her body floating in the water.
Her cause of death has not yet been determined, according to a report from the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Originally from Anchorage, Alaska, Waite played Division 2 women’s soccer for Central Washington University during the 2018 and 2019 seasons, according to her online profile. She appeared in at least 15 games, logged more than 700 minutes of playing time and scored two goals.
Her friends have been devastated by the news of her sudden death and they are scrambling for answers.
A friend of Waite’s told The California Post, “She was incredibly sweet, genuinely kind and had such a beautiful spirit.
“I feel grateful to have crossed paths with her, even briefly. She will be deeply missed, and I will continue to pray for everyone who loved her, especially her fiancé, as they navigate this heartbreaking loss,” said the friend, who requested anonymity.
Another friend, who frequented a church with Waite, said the two had met 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 second friend said, noting Waite “loved animals and the beach.”
The former soccer player had posted a picture of her driving at night on Instagram just three days before her death with the caption: “It only gets better.”
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