Garrett Bruno, a social media influencer recognized for his vocal support of conservative politics, died at the age of 33.
He was discovered on March 4 in his parents’ home in Mount Dora, Florida, as reported by several outlets including Out.
Friends and followers knew him on Instagram as @Garrett.Travels, where he frequently shared lifestyle updates and political commentary.
His cause of death remains undetermined, according to a representative for the Orange County Medical Examiners, but the investigation continues.
At the time of his passing, Garrett Bruno was out on bail following charges of second-degree murder related to a fatal car crash last October.
The incident, detailed by the WEHO Times, happened around 4:37 pm on a West Hollywood street.
An 83-year-old woman named Esther Abouab lost her life in the collision, and her husband sustained serious injuries.
The accident was reported to have forced the couple’s car into a parking garage, and Garrett Bruno was alleged to be the other driver involved.
He then faced additional legal troubles, including reckless driving charges, after the authorities concluded their initial investigation.
According to NBC Los Angeles, Garrett Bruno encountered two scooter crashes in the weeks following the fatal incident.
The second of these left him with a cracked skull and a coma, which delayed his arrest until December, when he was finally discharged from the hospital.
He subsequently pleaded not guilty and posted bail in January, returning to Florida to stay with his family while awaiting trial.
During the 2024 presidential election, Garrett Bruno began openly endorsing former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator JD Vance, displaying staunch MAGA leanings on his social media profiles.
He saved posts affirming these politicians to a “Politics” highlight on his Instagram page, sparking conversation among both supporters and critics.
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Many in the LGBTQ+ community expressed conflicting reactions to his conservative stances, noting the tension between queer identity and right-wing viewpoints.
Still, Garrett Bruno continued to gather followers, sharing glimpses of his travels and personal life in a bid to carve out a unique space in the influencer landscape.
His unexpected death has left open questions about what would have transpired at his upcoming trial for second-degree murder.
Family members have not publicly addressed whether funeral arrangements have been finalized or whether they will provide any additional details on his final days.
Speculation persists among online observers, who wonder about the unresolved legal case and whether more information about Garrett Bruno’s final moments will emerge.
His rise and fall present a complex portrait of a man seeking both internet fame and political relevance, caught in the tragic aftermath of a deadly crash.
For now, many remain focused on the victim’s family, particularly Esther Abouab’s loved ones, who continue to grapple with their loss in the wake of these unfolding developments.
The story of Garrett Bruno stands as a reminder that viral notoriety does not exempt anyone from accountability or the harsh realities of life.
It also underscores how quickly a social media star’s narrative can shift when confronted with legal battles and personal struggles, leaving complicated legacies behind.