In the early morning hours of December 16, 2024, a tragic shooting in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, claimed the life of 43-year-old Jotham Rafael Joe Simmons, a Black/African American man known for his big personality and generous heart. The incident unfolded at approximately 2:30 a.m. inside Klocker's Tavern in the Socastee area.
Responding to reports of gunfire, Horry County Police arrived to find a trail of blood leading from the bar's entrance into the parking lot.
While securing the scene, authorities were notified that an individual, later identified as Simmons, had been transported to South Strand Medical Center with gunshot wounds. Despite medical efforts, Jotham Simmons succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at 3:12 a.m. Another person was also injured in the shooting and taken to the hospital.
In the wake of the violence, the owners of Klocker's Tavern announced the permanent closure of the establishment, citing the shooting and other recent incidents of violence and theft as the reasons for their decision. The bar had a history of violent events in its vicinity.
As of the latest reports, no arrests have been made in connection with the fatal shooting. Authorities with the Horry County Police Department have stated that all parties involved in the incident have been accounted for and that the investigation remains active and ongoing. They have urged anyone with information to come forward to assist with the case.
Jotham Simmons, a resident of Myrtle Beach, was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, on November 7, 1981. He was the proud owner and operator of a landscaping business, where he was known as a hardworking man with a zest for life. He is remembered by loved ones as a devoted family man who cherished his daughter and his life partner of over 18 years.
