In the quiet town of Summerton, South Carolina, a sudden and tragic event cut short the life of Gary Baker Mathis, a 51-year-old man known for his passion for music. On the evening of Saturday, November 12, 2016, Mathis was at a residence on Homeward Way, handling firearms. In a devastating turn of events, one of the loaded guns accidentally discharged, striking him in the stomach.
Emergency services were called to the scene, and Mathis was quickly transported to Clarendon Memorial
Hospital. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, his injuries proved to be fatal, and he passed away later that night. The Clarendon County Sheriff's Office investigated the incident and determined that the shooting was accidental. Following his death, an autopsy was scheduled to be performed at the Medical University of South Carolina hospital to officially determine the cause of death.
The news of Gary Mathis's untimely passing sent ripples of grief through the community, particularly among those who knew him through his music. He was a talented and cherished member of the 4-Way Stop Band, a popular local group that had performed at various community events, including the Puddin' Swamp Festival and the Striped Bass Festival. His fellow band members and friends remembered him not only for his musical contributions but also for his warmth and genuine care for those around him. There is no public information to suggest that his death was the result of any criminal activity, and consequently, there have been no arrests or suspects in connection with this tragic accident.
