Brian DeQuincey Newman was a lawyer and former Columbia city councilman who had a bright future ahead of him. He was the youngest person ever elected to the Columbia City Council and the founder of his own law firm. He was also the son and brother of two state Circuit Court judges and the great-nephew of a civil rights leader. However, his life was cut short by a tragic cardiac event that took him away at the age of 40. Here is what we know about Brian DeQuincey Newman’s cause of death and his legacy.
A Sudden Cardiac Event
According to Leevy’s Funeral Home, which issued a statement on behalf of the Newman family, Brian DeQuincey Newman died on Wednesday, January 3, 2023, due to a blood clot in the heart1. This is a rare but serious condition that can cause a heart attack or a stroke. The exact circumstances of his death are not known, but it is possible that he had some risk factors or underlying conditions that made him more susceptible to developing a blood clot.
Some of the risk factors for blood clots in the heart include:
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Family history of heart disease
- Prolonged immobility
- Certain medications or hormonal therapies
Some of the symptoms of blood clots in the heart include:
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Sweating
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness or fainting
- Irregular heartbeat
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately, as blood clots in the heart can be life-threatening.
A Promising Lawyer and Politician
Brian DeQuincey Newman was born into a prominent South Carolina family with roots in law and public service. His father, Clifton Newman, is an at-large judge of the South Carolina Circuit Court and his sister, Jocelyn Newman, is also a state Circuit Court judge. His great-uncle, I. DeQuincey Newman, was a leader in the state’s 20th century civil rights struggles and the first African American to serve in the South Carolina Senate since Reconstruction.
Brian DeQuincey Newman graduated from Morehouse College and the University of South Carolina School of Law. He worked as a prosecutor in the 5th Circuit Solicitor’s Office before founding his own law firm in 2013. He specialized in criminal defense, personal injury, and civil litigation.
He also had a passion for politics and public service. He was elected to the Columbia City Council in 2010, filling the District 2 seat that had been vacated by his predecessor, E.W. Cromartie, who pleaded guilty to federal tax evasion charges. He was reelected to a full council term in 2012 and served until 2015, when he decided not to run again. During his tenure on the council, he advocated for economic development, public safety, transportation, and affordable housing. He also served as the chairman of the Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority’s board of directors.
After leaving the council, he moved to Atlanta, where he was involved in development work. He also remained active in his community and maintained close ties with his friends and family.
A Caring and Genuine Person
Those who knew Brian DeQuincey Newman described him as a caring and genuine person who had an amazing smile and could light up any room. He was also known for his intelligence, charisma, and sense of humor. He was always ready to help others and give back to his community.
One of his close friends, State Representative Todd Rutherford, said that Newman treated everyone like family. He also said that Newman lived every day like it was his last and believed that everyone should do the same. He often used the phrase “YOLO” (You Only Live Once) to express his zest for life.
Another friend and former fellow council member, Tameika Isaac Devine, said that Newman was a calming force on the governing body and a very caring person. She recalled how he sent her a thoughtful gift after she lost her pregnancy at 37.5 weeks. She also said that he was very smart and did not limit himself to one area or another but looked at where he could give back.
Brian DeQuincey Newman is survived by his parents, Clifton and Deborah Newman; his sister, Jocelyn Newman; his brother-in-law, James Smith; his niece, Kennedy Smith; and many other relatives and friends.
His funeral service was held on Monday, January 8, 2023, at the Brookland Baptist Church in West Columbia. He was laid to rest at the Greenlawn Memorial Park.
Brian DeQuincey Newman’s cause of death was a tragic and unexpected event that shocked and saddened many people. He was a promising lawyer and politician who had a bright future ahead of him. He was also a caring and genuine person who touched many lives. He will be remembered for his contributions to his community and his legacy of service.
