A South Carolina man is believed to have died in a kangaroo attack after reportedly entering the animal’s enclosure.
The Horry County Police Department announced on Facebook that the body of Eric Slate, 52, was found within a pen containing wallabies and kangaroos of varying ages.
Authorities confirmed that besides the kangaroos, “a number of other animals at the incident location” were present but have been secured and pose “no risk to the community.”
Officers responded to the scene at 5-Star Farm, a petting zoo located off Highway 746 near Loris, on Friday evening, May 9. There, they found Slate’s lifeless body. An autopsy later revealed that he had suffered “multiple blunt injuries.”
Slate was reportedly a relative of the animal’s owner. Local councilman Dennis DiSabato told News 13 that a kangaroo was “directly involved” in the fatal incident.
“HCPD is investigating an apparent animal-related incident at a location off of Highway 746 near Loris that resulted in or coincided with the death of one person,” read a statement from the police.
“The incident occurred late Friday evening between a non-domesticated animal and an adult relative of the animal’s owner in the animal’s enclosure. The Horry County Coroner’s Office responded to the scene and an autopsy has been ordered.”
Earlier on, the farm had showcased a photo of a mighty ‘roo called Mr. Jack on their online platforms, alongside the caption “He loves neck scratches and will take treats from your hands”, reports the Mirror US.
