News Summary
Myrtle Beach witnesses heartbreaking events as a 4-year-old boy drowns in a pool and a man dies under mysterious circumstances in a kangaroo enclosure. Ongoing investigations by local authorities aim to address community safety concerns while families mourn their losses. The police department is collecting details surrounding both incidents as they unfold, urging residents to respect the ongoing inquiries.
Myrtle Beach Reports Tragic Incidents Involving Drownings and Zoo Deaths
Fatal Drowning of 4-Year-Old Boy
A tragic incident occurred in Myrtle Beach, where a 4-year-old boy named Matthew Halliday drowned in a swimming pool at the Cape Landing community. Authorities reported that Matthew was discovered in the pool on May 8, 2025, and he later passed away at the Grand Strand Medical Center on May 10, 2025. The Horry County Coroner’s Office has ordered an autopsy to confirm the exact cause of death, and the investigation is currently being conducted by the Horry County Police Department. As of May 12, 2025, the situation remains under investigation.
Investigation into Kangaroo Enclosure Death
In a separate incident, the Horry County police are also investigating the death of 52-year-old Eric Slate, who was found dead inside a kangaroo enclosure at 5 Star Farm in Loris, SC, just before 11 p.m. on a recent Friday night. According to the coroner’s office, Slate had sustained multiple blunt force injuries. An autopsy has also been ordered to ascertain the precise cause of his death. This incident has raised questions about the safety of interactions between caretakers and the animals on the farm. All animals involved in the incident are accounted for, and authorities have confirmed that there is no ongoing risk to the community.
Details Surrounding Eric Slate’s Death
Eric Slate was known for his close relationship with the animals at the farm, particularly a 4-year-old red kangaroo named Jack. His brother, Robert Slate, expressed disbelief over the possibility that such animals could have caused Eric’s injuries, noting that Eric had not left the premesis significantly on the day he died, except for a brief trip to purchase new shoes. Spring Simmons, a longtime employee at 5 Star Farm, remembered Eric as someone who enjoyed interacting with the animals he cared for.
Family’s Response
The Slate family is currently making arrangements for Eric’s funeral services and is requesting prayers as they navigate this difficult time. Robert Slate has been addressing various reactions and comments regarding Eric’s death, emphasizing that they are dealing with immense grief.
Ongoing Investigations
Both of these incidents have garnered significant attention in Horry County, leading to thorough investigations by local authorities. The tragic drowning of young Matthew Halliday and the mysterious circumstances surrounding Eric Slate’s death within an animal enclosure reflect critical public safety concerns. The Horry County Police Department is dedicated to resolving these cases in a timely and thorough manner.
Residents and community members are urged to refrain from speculation while investigations are ongoing and to support affected families during this challenging period.
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Additional Resources
- WMBF News: Horry County Farm Owner Speaks Out After Brother Found Dead in Kangaroo Enclosure
- Horry News: Coroner Confirms 4-Year-Old Drowns in Myrtle Beach Area Pool
- WBTW: 4-Year-Old Dies After Being Found in Horry County Swimming Pool
- WXII: Person Found Dead in Animal-Related Incident in Horry County
- Myrtle Beach Online: Details on the Recent Tragic Incidents
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
