Family and friends remember the legacy of Charleston drummer killed in officer-involved shooting

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)–Many people across the Lowcountry are mourning the loss of a beloved musician who they say was taken from this world too soon. 

Quentin Ravenel is remembered as a talented musician, friend, and community member. Ravenel died following an officer-involved shooting Friday, but family and friends say they plan to carry on his legacy.

The 34-year-old Charleston native died at the hospital after he was shot multiple times during an altercation with North Charleston police officers and a homeowner.

“I started crying immediately. It was believable, unbearable news to learn that someone like Quentin, who is so vibrant and so loving, can experience something like this,” said Bryan Mahanes, the owner of Other Brother Entertainment.

Police said Ravenel was acting erratically and entered a home on Braddock Avenue. That’s when both the homeowner and the officer opened fire. In the wake of his death, the music community came together to remember him as a talented drummer and performer.
Jonathan “Mookie” Morant, a celebrity musician, told me music was in Quentin’s DNA and that he was born to be a star. 

“I would see him on occasion at events, and I see him playing so well, and if I shared something with him again, not that I’m so master anything, I would see him implement it instantly like he would know to do it like whether it’s a showmanship type thing because it was a showman show behind the drums,” said Morant.

Colleagues, friends, and family plan to use their shared love of music to keep his legacy alive. 

“We also are planning a concert of a benefit concert in his memory, and we also plan to create a video that will show him performing and show pictures of his career so that people can experience his energy and music,” said Mahanes.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is investigating the incident, which is the protocol for any officer-involved shooting.