Georgetown County, South Carolina – Authorities Identify Victim in Oatland Community Shooting as 22-Year-Old Ricky Dixon
GEORGETOWN, SC — A wave of grief has swept through Georgetown County following confirmation from Georgetown County Coroner Chase Ridgeway that the victim of an early morning shooting in the Oatland Community was Ricky Dixon, 22, of Georgetown. The tragic news has left family, friends, and neighbors struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss of a young life filled with promise.
According to authorities, the shooting occurred in the early hours of the morning, jolting the typically quiet Oatland Community awake with the sound of gunfire. Deputies responded swiftly to the scene, but despite their efforts and those of emergency medical personnel, Dixon could not be saved. His passing marks yet another heartbreaking instance of gun violence that has shaken both the immediate neighborhood and the wider Georgetown community.
Coroner Ridgeway confirmed that an autopsy will be performed at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) to determine the official cause and manner of death. Investigators have not yet released further details regarding the circumstances of the shooting, and it remains unclear whether any suspects have been identified or taken into custody. The Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing that even small details could help bring answers and justice to Dixon’s loved ones.
Family and friends describe Ricky Dixon as a vibrant and caring young man who had an infectious energy and a deep love for the people close to him. Known for his easygoing nature and warm smile, Ricky was a son, a friend, and a loved one whose absence will be profoundly felt. Social media has since filled with tributes and photos, as those who knew him share memories, express their shock, and call for prayers for the Dixon family.
Community leaders and residents alike have expressed their sorrow, with many highlighting the need for unity and support in the wake of such tragedies. Vigils and gatherings are being discussed as ways to honor Ricky’s memory and offer comfort to his grieving family.
The Dixon family has asked for privacy as they navigate this difficult time but is deeply appreciative of the outpouring of love and condolences from the community. Friends have encouraged everyone to keep the family in their thoughts and prayers in the days ahead, as they prepare for the emotional journey of saying goodbye to a beloved son and friend.
As the investigation continues, Georgetown County mourns together — bound by the shared hope that answers will come, justice will be served, and Ricky Dixon’s life will be remembered not solely for the way it ended, but for the love, laughter, and light he brought to those around him.
