A tragic incident unfolded at a racetrack in Ware Shoals, South Carolina, where a teenager lost his life in a shooting on Saturday night. The Laurens County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene following reports of gunfire at the Ware Shoals Dragway on U.S. Route 25. The victim, identified as 17-year-old Calvin Lamont Parker Jr. from Greenwood, succumbed to his injuries from the shooting, as confirmed by the Laurens County Coroner’s Office in a news release.
While authorities have labeled the shooting as an isolated incident with no perceived threat to the community, they urge the public to steer clear of the area in the aftermath of the tragic event. The Best of Both Worlds car & bike show was taking place at the dragway on the same evening, as indicated by the venue’s social media pages, but details surrounding the motive or suspects involved in the shooting remain scarce.
An autopsy for Parker has been scheduled for Monday to shed light on the circumstances leading to the fatal shooting. At this time, no arrests have been made, and investigations by the sheriff’s office are ongoing to uncover more information about the tragic event. Witnesses or anyone with relevant information are encouraged to come forward to aid in the case.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, highlighting the need for heightened security measures at public events to prevent such incidents from reoccurring. As the investigation progresses, authorities hope to bring closure to the Parker family and the community at large while emphasizing the importance of safety and vigilance in public spaces.
As the community mourns the loss of a young life, support services are being offered to those affected by the tragedy, underscoring the devastating impact of gun violence on families and communities. The Ware Shoals Dragway, once a place for entertainment and enjoyment, now stands as a solemn reminder of the fragility of life and the need for collective efforts to promote peace and safety in society.