18-Year-Old Identified as Victim in Horry County Shooting
HORRY COUNTY, S.C. — Authorities have identified the victim of a deadly shooting that took place early Sunday morning in the Loris area of Horry County.
Chief Deputy Coroner Tamara Willard confirmed that the victim is 18-year-old Christian Hemingway, who tragically succumbed to his injuries at the hospital after being shot. Hemingway, according to officials, lived only a short distance from Cedar Branch Road, the area where the shooting occurred.
The Horry County Police Department (HCPD) reported that the incident happened before 2:00 a.m. on the 1300 block of Cedar Branch Road. Responding officers arrived to find Hemingway critically injured from gunshot wounds. Despite efforts by first responders and medical staff, he did not survive.
The violent act has left the Loris community shaken. Neighbors describe the area as typically quiet, making the shooting all the more unsettling. Family, friends, and community members are now mourning the sudden and devastating loss of a young man whose life was just beginning.
At only 18, Christian Hemingway’s passing is a reminder of the fragility of life and the impact of gun violence on families and communities. Friends describe him as a bright and kind-hearted individual who carried big dreams for the future. His death leaves an irreplaceable void in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. The Horry County Police Department has provided a tip line for community members to share information. Individuals can call 843-915-8477 or email tcrimetips@horrycountysc.gov. Police stress that tipsters may remain anonymous, underscoring the importance of community cooperation in solving violent crimes.
As investigators continue to piece together the circumstances surrounding this tragedy, the community is left to grieve and to call for justice in the name of Christian Hemingway. Vigils and memorial gatherings are expected to be organized by those who loved him, ensuring that his life is remembered not for how it ended, but for the light he brought to others during his 18 years.
Authorities are asking residents in the area of Cedar Branch Road to remain alert and report anything suspicious, no matter how small it may seem. Every piece of information, they stress, could help bring answers to a family and community searching for closure.
