Death of Nate Soroko announced: San Diego mourns beer legend

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The death of Nate Soroko was announced yesterday 17 June 2021 via social media. He was known as a beer industry legend who brought joy and warmth wherever he went. His life is being celebrated by those who knew him in San Diego, as respects proliferate online.

Who was beer-lover Nate Soroko?

Nate Soroko was a bartender, beer drinker, beer expert, and passionate hospitality worker.

He had a lifelong passion for meeting people, and also for drinking beer competitively. There are multiple videos on YouTube showcasing his incredible skill at downing multiple pints.

He was lovingly and affectionately known as The Islander and The Patron Saint Of Beer.

His Instagram bio states: “I sling beer and do events at Toronado sd.”

Toronado was a bar in San Diego where Soroko worked as a bartender and cook before the bar closed down. Alongside this he also worked as an ambassador for Modern Times Beer.

His previous jobs have also included working at festivals and hosting beer brunches.

Although Soroko moved to San Diego in 2004, his home town is Rancho Cucamonga, California. However, he was born on Palau in the Pacific Islands.

Death of Nate Soroko mourned on social media

The impact of Soroko’s death has reached far and wide, with many friends and customers taking to social media to share their respects and memories of the larger-than-life character.

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His former employer Modern Times Beer also shared a tribute to Soroko online, celebrating his kindness, humanity and spirit.

Others celebrated his contribution to the beer community in San Diego, as well as paying their respects.

According to Leanne O’Neil on Twitter, Soroko died of natural causes on Saturday but the news of his passing was only shared publicly yesterday. He died at the age of 39.

One of his friends has lovingly immortalised Soroko in a tattoo, which he shared on his social media.

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We send our condolences to all of Nate Soroko’s friends and family at this difficult time.

Olivia Olphin

Olivia Olphin is an English Literature graduate and a film and literature fanatic. She has many years of reviewing experience, recently working as accredited press for the London Film Festival. She has also written widely about culture and sex education, as well as LGBTQ+ and women's issues.