Fatal alligator attack in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, one man dead
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is a popular vacation destination for beachgoers and golfing enthusiasts. The city is also home to about 100,000 alligators whose mating season lasts through the month of June – a time when activity of both the males and females of the species are more active than usual.
On the morning of June 24, the Horry County Police Department (HCPD) headquartered in Conway, South Carolina, issued a warning to their community to “Please steer clear of Excalaber Court. First responders are working hard to keep others safe.” They went on to clarify that a water rescue was in progress in Myrtle Beach’s Excalaber Court neighborhood, and asked citizens to avoid the area.
Around 11:45 a.m., the Horry County Fire Rescue responded to a water rescue call in the area of Excalaber Court outside of Myrtle Beach. HCPD and South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Section and SCDNR Law Enforcement Division responded to assist.
Upon their arrival, units determined that an alligator took hold of a neighbor who was near the edge of a retention pond.
After grabbing hold of his human prey, the 11-foot gator dragged his victim into the retention pond.
The SCDNR biologist and an SCDNR-contracted alligator removal service determined that the alligator should be humanely euthanized on site. The deceased victim was recovered from the pond, and the alligator removed.
Horry County Coroner’s Office responded to the scene. The HCPD death investigation remains active and is still underway. By approximately 4:30 p.m. on Friday, HCPD announced that, “There is no further threat in the area of Myrtle Beach Golf and Yacht Club. Community members may resume normal activities.”
Our hearts go out to the family and community members impacted by this tragic incident. ~ HCPD
The Daily Beast reported the Daily Mail as sharing a post that a resident in the area speculated that the victim was cutting grass that the homeowners’ association hadn’t chopped. The pond where the man was killed is located in a private residential golf community, known for alligator sightings.
A member of the same Myrtle Beach community just last month posted a photo on Twitter of three large alligators behind his condo, according to The Huffington Post.
For more on the fatal alligator attack, see the video accompanying this article.
Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today / Follow Richard on Facebook and Twitter
