Eric Slate Obituary, Death – A tragic incident involving a suspected animal attack is currently under investigation in South Carolina after a man was found dead inside an exotic animal enclosure. According to the Horry County Police Department, the fatal event occurred on the evening of Friday, May 9, in a rural area off Highway 746 near Loris. The scene of the incident was located within an enclosure that housed wallabies and kangaroos.
Authorities say the deceased was discovered inside the animal enclosure, and the situation is being described as an “apparent animal-related incident.” The Horry County Police released a statement on social media confirming that the death involved a non-domesticated animal and occurred within the confines of a private property. The man has been identified as 52-year-old Eric Slate. Reports indicate that he was a relative of the farm’s owner, Robert Slate, who operates the property under the name 5 Star Farm.
Emergency personnel responded to the scene and confirmed that the victim was already deceased upon their arrival. The Horry County Coroner’s Office, through Chief Deputy Coroner Tamara Willard, verified that Eric Slate had sustained multiple blunt force injuries. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the precise cause and manner of his death.
While the exact events leading up to the fatal injuries remain unclear, authorities noted that a kangaroo is believed to have played a role in the deadly incident. Horry County councilman Dennis DiSabato confirmed to News 13 that the kangaroo was allegedly “directly involved” in the death. However, law enforcement has yet to officially confirm the specific animal responsible or the exact circumstances of the attack.
Following the incident, the police made clear that there is no threat to the public. All animals on the property have been secured, and no animals escaped from their enclosures. Officials emphasized that the animals remain contained and that the community should not be concerned about any danger stemming from the farm.
Robert Slate, the owner of the property and the operator of 5 Star Farm, released a public statement addressing the tragic loss of his family member. He expressed deep sorrow over the incident and acknowledged the emotional weight it has placed on his family. “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 May 9,” the statement read. He further confirmed that the deceased was found inside the animal enclosure, and that the animal in question was not outside its secured area. The statement concluded with a plea for privacy and support as the family grieves.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death. The Horry County Police Department and the Coroner’s Office are working closely to determine what led to the fatal injuries and whether the incident was purely accidental or involved any additional factors. The ongoing investigation will likely include witness interviews, animal behavior assessments, and reviews of any available video surveillance or documentation from the farm.
As the investigation progresses, officials are also evaluating the safety and containment procedures used by 5 Star Farm. Questions have arisen regarding how a fatal encounter was possible within a reportedly secure environment, especially involving a known non-domesticated animal such as a kangaroo. Although kangaroo attacks on humans are rare, they can become aggressive, particularly if they feel threatened or if their territory is disturbed.
At this point, the coroner has not released an official cause of death beyond stating the presence of multiple blunt force injuries. The final autopsy results are expected to shed more light on the specific nature of the trauma and help confirm whether it aligns with what might be inflicted by a large animal like a kangaroo.
For now, the community and Slate family are left mourning the unexpected and violent loss of a loved one in an incident that has raised questions about exotic animal ownership and safety. As more details become available, authorities will likely assess whether any legal or regulatory actions need to be taken to ensure incidents like this do not occur again in the future.
Anyone with relevant information is urged to cooperate with local authorities as they continue their inquiry. Meanwhile, the Slate family has asked for understanding and compassion during what they describe as a deeply personal and painful time.