When his father died in 2008, Eric Bryant — who was found dead April 7 at the age of 25 in his Odum Village apartment — lost a piece of himself.
“He took pieces of the hearts and souls of everyone here, certainly with Eric,” said Eric Bryant’s uncle, Barry Bryant, about the impact of his father’s death.
“There’s a piece of his heart he couldn’t find.”
On Saturday, members of Eric Bryant’s family and the UNC community gathered in Gerrard Hall to put those pieces together by sharing their memories of the UNC law student who was set to graduate in December.
Barry Bryant encouraged the University to learn from Bryant’s death, which he said was a suicide.
“I want to make sure that people aren’t afraid to discuss these issues. I want to challenge the University to do more with Active Minds and encourage ongoing communication and dialogue about mental illness,” he said, referring to an organization created by a University of Pennsylvania student after her brother’s suicide.
Barry Bryant added that increasing awareness of suicide would make his nephew proud.
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“There is a social stigma attached to that word, but it’s a word we have to learn to talk about,” Barry Bryant said of suicide. “There is an absolute need to have awareness about this.”
“I think that what would make Eric feel good is if we moved this idea forward somehow,” Barry Bryant said. “You can extend the significance of his life — that’s what his family wants.”
Jack Boger, dean of the law school, said he remembers Bryant as a persuasive student who struggled with sadness during his time at law school.
Boger said after transferring from Ohio State University’s Moritz College of Law, Bryant struggled in his first semester while dealing with his father’s death.
Facing academic exclusion, Bryant displayed qualities that made him seem wise beyond his years, Boger said. Bryant wrote a letter to the law department arguing his case for remaining enrolled.
“I believe I am stronger personally,” Boger read from the letter.
Speaking on behalf of the law school, Boger said Bryant’s death made him think about what the law school should do for students.
“Thank you, Eric, for that message,” he added.
After a slideshow and a rendition of Amazing Grace sung by family members, the audience was encouraged to bring Bryant to life through their memories.
Patrick Haas, Bryant’s sophomore year roommate at UNC, discussed Bryant’s varying interests.
“I remember how excited he would get about his latest obsessions,” Haas said.
He added that Bryant’s passion for film brought them together.
“Film was the greatest thing we had in common,” Haas said. “We spent more time watching obscure movies than chasing girls.”
As an aspiring filmmaker, Haas said he valued Bryant’s extensive knowledge of cinema.
“He still makes me think of what he would have wanted to see,” Haas said.
Haas knew Bryant before his father Larry Bryant died in 2008 from complications stemming from multiple sclerosis.
“He was never the same after his father passed,” Haas said. “I like to think he’s finally found his peace, somewhere laughing with his dad.”
Fellow graduate student Warren Whipple said he met Bryant after his father’s death.
“It’s true that he had been sad, but my impressions of him were wonderful,” Whipple said.
Like Haas, Whipple said Bryant was a curious, proactive member of the community, intent upon learning about anything that struck his interest.
“He had a new pile of books every week,” Whipple said. “And there was always a relevant movie we were supposed to watch.”
Beyond his insight and knowledge of film, Whipple said he will remember Bryant for being a good friend.
“He was always listening to me,” Whipple said. “I looked forward to seeing him. He had a great sense of humor and always kept me thinking. I’m going to miss that. I miss that now.”
The Bryant family has asked that those wishing to honor Bryant donate to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.
