In the quiet coastal community of Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, the life of 27-year-old Sonreah Ellen 'Sonny' McCallum, a Black/African American female, was tragically cut short. On the night of June 10, 2023, just before midnight, the Georgetown County Sheriff's Office received a call reporting an accidental shooting at a residence on Coquina Avenue.
When deputies arrived, they found Sonreah with a gunshot wound to her chest.
Emergency medical services rushed her to Grand Strand Medical Center, but tragically, her life could not be saved, and she was pronounced dead shortly after her arrival on June 11, 2023. An autopsy was conducted a few days later at the Medical University of South Carolina. Following the autopsy, the Georgetown County Coroner, Chase Ridgeway, announced that the manner of her death would remain undetermined until a full investigation could be completed. He indicated that it could take several weeks to ascertain whether the shooting was accidental, pending further examination of the evidence.
The initial incident report from the sheriff's office was brief and did not provide extensive details about what transpired in the moments leading up to the fatal shot, including whether anyone else was present at the time. As of late 2024, there have been no public announcements regarding any arrests or the identification of any suspects in connection with Sonreah's death. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting remains open as authorities continue their work to bring clarity and resolution to the case.
Sonreah, who was from Raeford, North Carolina, is remembered as a loving mother to her two children, Sincere Buie and Sakhani McCallum. Her family, including her mother, Apostle S. McCallum, and her several siblings, held a celebration of her life on June 20, 2023. Known as 'Sonny' to her loved ones, her sudden and violent death has left a void in the lives of her family and friends, who continue to await answers.
