Man 'beaten to death by kangaroo' after trying to 'roughhouse' animal
Officials from Horry County, South Carolina, have suggested Eric Slate - who was known to 'roughhouse' with animals - died following an altercation with a kangaroo
A man who allegedly liked to "roughhouse" kangaroos may have been killed by one of the animals after he clambered into their enclosure at a petting zoo.
Eric Slate was found dead in an enclosure "with wallabies and kangaroos of varying ages" at 5-Star Farm in Horry County, South Carolina, following what local police said was an "animal-related incident" between a "non-domesticated animal and adult relative (of the animal's owner)". The coroner's office for Horry County confirmed that the victim was found with "multiple blunt injuries" inside the enclosure, and a local councilman has alleged a kangaroo was "directly involved" in his death.
Local medial outlet News 13 reported that Harris County councilman Dennis DiSabito suggested the kangaroo was involved in the death, but authorities have not indicated whether this is the case. Another councilmember, Mark Causey, told the outlet Mr slate had a "history" of stepping into the kangaroo enclosure and "roughhousing" with the animal.
He added this is what was happening at the time of his death, adding the interaction "just went south". In his own statement, Robert Slate, the owner of 5 Star Farm, said only that the incident was a "tragic accident".
The statement, posted on the farm's social media page, read: "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. Horry County Coroner has ordered an autopsy to determine cause of death, due to the fact, the victim was found in an animal enclosure."
The statement added, however, that the farm's resident kangaroo had not exited its "secure enclosure". It continued: "The animal was not nor has been out of his secure enclosure. At this time we do ask, for respect and support for the family."
Horry County Police Department confirmed following the incident over the weekend that there was no risk to the general public, with the investigation "active and ongoing". The department said: "The death investigation remains active and ongoing.
"The deceased was located within an enclosure with wallabies and kangaroos of varying ages. There are a number of other animals at the incident location. All animals are accounted for and contained, and there is no risk to the community."
The South Carolina farm functions as an interactive petting zoo, the farm states on its official Facebook account, adding that its animals include camels, wallabies and kangaroos. In a previous post on the page, the farm introduced "Mr Jack" a five-year-old kangaroo that "loves neck scratches and will take treats from your hand".
The kangaroo alleged to have been involved in the death of Mr Slate has not been named.
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