Man killed in incident at S.C. wallaby-kangaroo farm
LORIS, S.C. (WMBF) - Authorities said a man died Friday evening involving a non-domesticated animal.
The Horry County Police Department responded to the incident at 5 Star Farm along Highway 746 near Loris.
Chief Deputy Coroner Tamara Willard later identified the victim as 52-year-old Eric Slate.
‘Suspicious’ inmate death under investigation at South Carolina prison
Authorities say Leo Jermaine Cheeks, an inmate at Lee Correctional Institution, died in the facility. Cheeks was found unresponsive in his cell.
The coroner’s office said he was found dead with multiple blunt injuries inside an enclosure containing wallabies and kangaroos at his home.
The Horry County Coroner’s Office responded to the scene, and an autopsy has been ordered to determine the cause of death.
HD said there were a number of animals at the location and all have been ed for and contained.
Police said there is no risk to the community.
4.1-magnitude quake rattles parts of region, and some feel it here
A 4.1-magnitude earthquake in Tennessee shook several nearby states, including people in north Georgia. Officials are checking for damage.
The owner of 5 Star Farm released this statement on the incident:
Robert Slate, owner of 5 Star Farm, wishes to address a tragic incident involving a family member that occurred at the farm on the evening of 5/9/25.
Horry County Coroner has ordered an autopsy to determine cause of death, due to the fact, the victim was found in an animal enclosure.
The animal was not nor has been out of his secure enclosure.
At this time we do ask, for respect and for the family.
Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
