19-Year-Old Billy James Matthews III Dies in Accidental Shooting in Pee Dee Region

Florence, SC – A tragic incident unfolded over the weekend in the Pee Dee region as a 19-year-old individual, Billy James Matthews III, lost his life following an accidental shooting. The Florence County Sheriff’s Office reported that the shooting occurred on Wrenfield Road in the Florence area on Saturday night.

Authorities received a call about the incident and immediately dispatched emergency services to the scene. Two individuals were transported to the hospital; sadly, Matthews succumbed to his injuries. The other individual involved in the incident received treatment for non-life-threatening wounds.

Florence County Coroner Keith von Lutcken confirmed the identity of the deceased as Billy James Matthews III, a resident of Florence. The community is reeling from the loss of the young man, whose life was tragically cut short.

An autopsy is scheduled to take place later this week at the Medical University of South Carolina. This procedure aims to provide further insights into the exact cause of death and any other pertinent details surrounding the incident.

The Florence County Sheriff’s Office has characterized the shooting as accidental but has not released specific details about the circumstances leading up to it. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working diligently to piece together the events that led to this tragic outcome.

In light of this incident, the Sheriff’s Office urges anyone with information to come forward. Community input can be crucial in understanding the full context of such incidents and preventing future tragedies.

The untimely death of Billy James Matthews III has left the Florence community in mourning. Friends, family, and neighbors are struggling to come to terms with the loss of a young life filled with potential. Matthews’ passing is a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of safety, particularly concerning firearms.

As the investigation continues, the community is rallying to support Matthews’ family. Local leaders and authorities are advocating for increased awareness and education on gun safety to prevent similar accidents in the future.

The Florence County Sheriff’s Office extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Billy James Matthews III. They also emphasize the importance of handling firearms with care and ensuring that safety protocols are always followed.

For continuous updates on this story, please stay tuned to WMBF News. The community hopes for clarity and understanding as the investigation proceeds, and they remain united in their grief and support for the Matthews family during this difficult time. In the wake of this tragedy, the Florence community is coming together to honor the memory of Billy James Matthews III. His life, though tragically short, has left a lasting impact on those who knew him.