In the small town of Great Falls, South Carolina, a sense of sorrow befell the community following the tragic death of two-year-old Rylin Burrell. The young boy, the son of Malashia Cloud and Marvin Burrell, passed away on September 18, 2024, leaving behind a grieving family.
On that Wednesday, a distressing incident unfolded at a residence on Washington Street. Rylin was shot inside the home and was quickly transported to MUSC Medical Center in Lancaster for emergency care.
Despite the efforts of medical personnel, the toddler succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.
The Great Falls Police Department, in conjunction with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division's child fatality unit, immediately launched a joint investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Early indications from law enforcement suggested that the shooting involved an unsecured firearm. The focus of the investigation centered on determining how the weapon was accessed. It is believed that children may have been playing with the unsecured gun when it discharged.
In the aftermath of the tragic event, a seven-year-old family member was taken into emergency protective custody by the South Carolina Department of Social Services as the investigation continued. As of late September 2024, no charges had been filed in connection with the death of young Rylin Burrell. The community mourned the loss of a child's life cut short, as authorities continued to piece together the events that led to the devastating incident. Funeral services for Rylin were scheduled for late September, allowing family and friends to gather and remember the young boy.
