Myrtle Beach, August 26, 2025
News Summary
The Myrtle Beach community is mourning the loss of Special Olympics athlete Steven Horvath, who died under tragic circumstances during the Fall 2023 Special Olympic Games. His mother, Mary Horvath, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Special Olympics South Carolina and the city, citing gross negligence in supervision and safety measures. This incident has raised serious concerns about the safeguarding of athletes during events, especially those with medical vulnerabilities. The community reflects on Steven’s legacy, emphasizing the need for accountability and improved safety protocols.
Tragic Turn of Events at Myrtle Beach Special Olympics
In a deeply saddening turn of events, the vibrant coastal city of Myrtle Beach has found itself embroiled in a wrongful death lawsuit following the untimely death of a Special Olympics athlete. Mary Horvath has filed legal action against Special Olympics South Carolina and the city itself, raising serious concerns about supervision and safety measures during a much-anticipated event.
A Brief Timeline of Events
The situation took a tragic twist on September 23, 2023, when Mary discovered that her son, Steven Horvath, had passed away under distressing circumstances. Steven was a 37-year-old athlete who resided in an assisted care facility in Summerville. He attended the Fall 2023 Special Olympic Games to participate in the golf event, and his family had high hopes for a memorable occasion celebrating achievements and sportsmanship.
Sadly, following the opening ceremony on September 22, 2023, Steven was found unresponsive in his hotel room at Staybridge Suites. A toxicology report soon confirmed that Steven had consumed a lethal mix of alcohol and medication, with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.086, which exceeds the legal intoxication limit of 0.08 in South Carolina.
The Heart of the Lawsuit
Mary Horvath, representing her son’s estate, has filed the lawsuit in the Horry County Court of Common Pleas on September 30, 2023. The heartbreaking suit alleges that there was a gross negligence in the supervision of the athletes during the event. It specifically points out that Steven shared his room with two other athletes who were not adequately supervised overnight.
Further accusations within the lawsuit state that there was a failure to prevent alcohol consumption by the athletes, which tragically led to Steven’s fatal overdose. His family believes that someone should have stepped in to protect Steven, especially given his medical history that prohibited him from consuming alcohol.
What Happens Next?
As the case unfolds, Mary is seeking unspecified damages citing negligence, recklessness, and wrongful death. The situation has raised broader questions about the safeguarding measures in place during Special Olympics events, particularly for athletes who may need additional support.
The city of Myrtle Beach has a history of hosting numerous events, usually without incident. However, officials have indicated they typically remain tight-lipped on pending litigation, which adds to the ongoing mystery surrounding this case.
A Community Impacted
This tragic incident has sent ripples through the community, leaving friends, family, and fellow athletes feeling the profound loss of a beloved participant. The surrounding narrative, filled with what-ifs and questions about the safety of athletes, highlights the critical need for comprehensive supervision and support during events aimed at uplifting those with intellectual disabilities.
The local community has come together to share memories and tributes to Steven, a passionate athlete who participated eagerly in the Special Olympics and touched the hearts of those around him. The hope is that, in the wake of such tragedy, there will be a win for safety and accountability that ensures future events foster an environment where athletes can thrive without the looming threat of harm.
Conclusion
The outcome of Mary Horvath’s lawsuit could pave the way for vital reforms in how special events are managed, particularly for vulnerable populations who deserve to be treated with the utmost care and respect. As we wait for updates on this unfolding story, the entire community continues to honor Steven and reflect on how to foster a safer environment for all athletes involved.
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Additional Resources
- WMBF News: Horry County Special Olympics Gears Up for National Golf Tournament
- WBTW News: Myrtle Beach Special Olympics Sued Over Death of Athlete
- Post and Courier: Special Olympics Myrtle Beach Wrongful Death Case
- Grand Strand Magazine: 40 Years and Counting
- Myrtle Beach Online: Local News Article
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.
