In the quiet community of Mountain Rest, South Carolina, a tragic incident cut short the life of a local teenager. Edward Lee Eastmead V, a 17-year-old male, passed away on Thursday, March 5, 2020. A native of Walhalla, South Carolina, he was a sophomore at Walhalla High School and was known for his love of the outdoors, including hunting and fishing, as well as working on auto mechanics.
On that Thursday, Eastmead was at a friend's house on Trillium Drive in Mountain Rest.
While handling a handgun, the firearm discharged, resulting in a fatal gunshot wound to his head. The Oconee County Coroner's Office confirmed that he died at the scene. The subsequent investigation by the Oconee County Sheriff's Office determined that the shooting was accidental.
In the wake of the incident, authorities did not identify any suspects, and no arrests were made in connection with the death, as the investigation concluded it was an unfortunate accident. The handgun was reported to belong to an individual who lived at the residence. The Sheriff's Office took the opportunity to publicly emphasize the importance of firearm safety. The community and Walhalla High School were deeply affected by the loss, with grief counselors and local pastors being made available to support students and staff.
