Stoney Floyd Jr, Obituary, Death Cause – Authorities in Horry County are investigating a tragic incident in which a man lost his life after a vehicle was reportedly set on fire Saturday night. Officials from both the Horry County Police Department and Horry County Fire Rescue responded to the scene following reports of a car fire in the Longs area.
The incident was reported around 8:30 p.m., near the intersection of West Bear Grass Road and Bullock Trail, according to the police. When first responders arrived, they discovered a vehicle fully engulfed in flames. After the fire was extinguished, emergency crews found a person inside the vehicle.
The victim has since been identified as 20-year-old Stoney Floyd Jr., a resident of Loris, according to Chief Deputy Coroner Tamara Willard. Officials confirmed that Floyd was located in the backseat of the burned vehicle. An autopsy has been scheduled to determine the exact cause of death, and investigators have not yet released details regarding how the incident may have unfolded.
Preliminary findings from police and fire investigators indicate that the vehicle fire may have been intentionally set. Detectives and arson investigators were called to the scene late Saturday and continued collecting evidence into the early morning hours of Sunday.
A witness, who initially called the fire department, told investigators that he had been near the area when he heard a loud noise, which he first assumed was a transformer explosion. Curious about the sound, he drove toward the nearby electrical distribution plant on West Bear Grass Road to check on the situation. As he approached, he noticed a strong orange glow in the distance, which he later realized was coming from the burning car.
Emergency responders arrived quickly and began working to put out the flames. Once the fire was contained, firefighters discovered Floyd’s body in the backseat. Police immediately began treating the area as a potential crime scene.
Chief Deputy Coroner Willard stated that the death is being investigated as a homicide, though officials are waiting for the results of the medical examination before confirming further details. She also noted that determining the precise cause and manner of death will take time as both the coroner’s office and law enforcement agencies continue their joint investigation.
The Horry County Police Department has not released information about any possible suspects or motives at this stage. Investigators are working to gather surveillance footage from nearby homes and businesses and are interviewing residents who might have seen vehicles or people in the area around the time of the incident.
Authorities have urged anyone who may have noticed suspicious activity near West Bear Grass Road and Bullock Trail on Saturday evening to contact the Horry County Police Department. Even small details, such as hearing unusual sounds or seeing unfamiliar vehicles, could be helpful in piecing together what happened.
The quiet Longs community, located northwest of Myrtle Beach, has been shaken by the incident. Residents described the area as peaceful and said such events are extremely rare. Local officials have emphasized that law enforcement is working with state investigators to ensure that all leads are pursued and that those responsible are held accountable.
As of Monday, investigators were still processing evidence and awaiting autopsy results. Police had set up a perimeter around the area for several hours after the fire to conduct a detailed search and collect any materials that could help determine how the blaze started.
Authorities are expected to provide additional updates as more information becomes available. In the meantime, the community is encouraged to come forward with any information that could aid investigators.
The investigation remains active and ongoing, and officials have expressed condolences to the family and friends of Stoney Floyd Jr., asking for privacy as they cope with their loss.
