In the early evening of a Wednesday in Sumter, South Carolina, a tragic incident unfolded that would ultimately claim the life of 17-year-old Ortagease Easterling. The young man was found with a gunshot wound outside an apartment building on Miller Road at approximately 6:15 p.m.
Emergency services were promptly called to the scene, and Easterling was initially transported to a local hospital before being transferred to a facility in Columbia for more advanced care.
Despite the efforts of medical professionals, he succumbed to his injuries and passed away on Friday morning, May 26, 2017.
An investigation into the shooting was launched by the Sumter Police Department. After a thorough examination of the evidence and circumstances, authorities concluded that the shooting was accidental and self-inflicted. Investigators were working to determine how Easterling had come into possession of the firearm, which was recovered at the scene. Due to the determination that his death was the result of a tragic accident, no suspects were sought, and no arrests were made in connection with the case.
