52-Year-Old Man Found Dead with ‘Multiple Blunt Force Injuries’ in Suspected Animal Attack

A man has been found dead in a suspected animal attack in South Carolina.

The man was found deceased in a wallabies and kangaroo enclosure in an “apparent animal-related incident” off Highway 746 near Loris, the Horry County Police Department stated in a news release shared on Facebook.

“#HCPD is investigating an apparent animal-related incident at a location off of Highway 746 near Loris that resulted in or coincided with the death of one person,” said police. 

The victim was a relative of the animal’s owner, per the news release. He was later identified as 52-year-old Eric Slate, Fox Carolina reported, citing Chief Deputy Coroner Tamara Willard. 

The incident took place on Friday evening involving a “non-domesticated animal and adult relative” in the animal’s enclosure, per the news release. Police said that “there are a number of other animals at the incident location” and that “all animals are accounted for and contained, and there is no risk to the community.”

The coroner’s office confirmed that the victim was found dead with “multiple blunt injuries” inside the enclosure, per Fox Carolina.

Horry County councilman Dennis DiSabato alleged that a kangaroo was “directly involved” in the death of Slate, News 13 reported. 

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Robert Slate, the relative of the victim and owner of 5 Star Farm, assumed responsibility for the incident in a statement posted on Facebook.

“Robert Slate, owner of 5 Star Farm, wishes to address a tragic incident involving a family member that occurred at the farm on the evening of May 9,” the post read. “Horry County Coroner has ordered an autopsy to determine cause of death, due to the fact, the victim was found in an animal enclosure.”

“The animal was not nor has been out of his secure enclosure. At this time we do ask, for respect and support for the family,” the statement concluded.

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The animal involved in the attack remains secured, according to police. 

Eric Slate’s cause of death has not been released at this time. 

An investigation into the incident is ongoing. 

PEOPLE has contacted the Horry County Police Department and Horry County Coroner for comment.