10-05-2025
Update: Man found dead inside kangaroo pen at Loris farm. Police is investigating death
A 52-year-old man was killed Friday in the Loris area after an encounter with kangaroos and wallabies.
Eric State was found dead with multiple blunt injuries inside an enclosure containing wallabies and kangaroos at his home on Highway 746 in Loris, according to an email from Horry County Chief Deputy Coroner Tamara Willard.
Horry County Police reported that the incident happened between the person and the animal in the animal's enclosure, according to a Facebook post from HCPD. The person was an adult relative of the animal's owner, the post said.
The incident happened just before midnight, Willard said.
Robert Slate, owner of 5 Star Farm in Loris, posted a statement on the farm's Facebook page Saturday. Slate said the 'tragic incident' involved a family member and occurred at the farm.
'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 animal was not nor has been out of his secure enclosure. At this time we do ask, for respect and support for the family.'
The family-owned business operates an educational and interactive petting zoo.
Police said that the animal is secured. Additional details about the incident have not been released.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
