Tragic Shooting at South Carolina Factory Claims Two Lives

A tragic shooting unfolded on Monday, March 31, 2025, at Darling Ingredients in Ward, South Carolina, leaving two individuals dead. The victims were identified as 52-year-old Kimberly Waters Leon and 44-year-old Willie James Hopkins Jr., both of whom worked at the plant. Their untimely deaths have left the community in shock and mourning.

The shooting occurred around 5:45 p.m. on Monday at the Darling Ingredients plant, which is located in the rural area of Saluda County, approximately an hour west of Columbia and an hour north of Augusta, Georgia. Within hours of the incident, the Saluda County coroner confirmed the identities of the victims, adding to the heartbreak of an already devastated community. The shooting appears to have been an isolated incident, though authorities have not released further details about the events leading up to the tragedy.

According to the Saluda County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the scene of the shooting, but they have yet to disclose any information about the identity of the shooter or the motive behind the attack. Law enforcement officials, including the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. At this time, authorities are working to piece together the events that led to the fatal shooting.

Both Kimberly Waters Leon and Willie James Hopkins Jr. were employees at the Darling Ingredients plant. The company confirmed their roles at the facility and expressed their condolences to the families of the victims. The tragedy has cast a shadow over the plant, which used to be a Valley Proteins facility before it was taken over by Darling Ingredients. While details of the incident remain scarce, it has raised concerns about workplace safety and the well-being of employees in the aftermath of such a violent act.

Kimberly Leon, 52, and Willie Hopkins, 44, were both well-known and respected in their respective communities. Their tragic deaths have left their families, friends, and colleagues reeling from the loss. Those who knew them described them as hard-working and dedicated individuals who always put others first. The grief over their deaths is palpable, and the community has come together to mourn the loss of two lives taken too soon.

At this time, the sheriff’s office has not indicated any specific threats or dangers to other employees, and they have described the incident as “isolated,” reassuring the public that there is no ongoing risk to others at the facility. However, the investigation is ongoing, and law enforcement agencies are diligently working to uncover all the facts surrounding this heartbreaking event.

As the investigation continues, the families of Kimberly Waters Leon and Willie James Hopkins Jr. are left grappling with the profound loss of their loved ones. The Saluda County community, as well as the workers at Darling Ingredients, are offering their support and condolences, while also seeking answers to the questions that remain unanswered.

The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of violence and the importance of addressing safety and security in workplaces across the nation. As authorities continue to investigate, the focus will undoubtedly be on finding justice for the victims and ensuring that such an incident does not occur again.

In the meantime, the families of Kimberly and Willie are left to remember them as individuals who made meaningful contributions to their community and their workplace. Their memories will be cherished by those who knew and loved them, and their loss will not be forgotten.

As this story continues to develop, law enforcement officials are urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward. The Saluda County Sheriff’s Office can be reached at (864) 445-2112, and anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-888-CRIMESC.

In the face of this tragedy, the community of Ward and the employees of Darling Ingredients stand united, offering support to the families of the victims and praying for justice to be served.