Horry County man’s death in kangaroo enclosure ruled an accident

HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) -- The death of a man whose body was found inside a kangaroo enclosure in the Loris area has been ruled an accident, the Horry County Coroner's Office said Thursday. Eric Slate, 52, died last May in the enclosure occupied by Jack, a 4-year-old red kangaroo. The Horry County Coroner’s Office said Slate was found with “multiple blunt injuries,” sparking online speculation that he may have been killed by the animal. However, Chief Deputy Coroner Tamara Willard said on Thursday that Slate's family had given permission to include his general overall medical history, which consisted of severe heart disease, advanced liver and kidney disease, extensive lung disease, and chronic alcoholism. "Ultimately, we cannot say how the artery was damaged (falling into fencing, gate screws, sharp signage or animal claw) nor can we definitively say when or how the scratches occurred (standing or lying down)," Willard said in a news release. "The kangaroo in question was quarantined and determined to be a safe animal. This is an unfortunate situation, and we again extend our condolences to Mr. Slate's family, who ask for privacy as they continue to grieve this loss."