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Photo Gallery: Hilton Head's Homeless
Michael Ballard, 52, is one of Hilton Head Island's estimated 20 to 25 homeless. On Nov. 5, he found his friend, Hector Mejias Bueso, dead in one of the island's scattered, homeless campsites.
Jonathan DyerThe Island Packet + Enlarge Image
The inside of the trailer has a sheet strung across broken windows and mattresses heaped on the floor. Beer bottles, cigarette packs and food containers littered the room.
Jonathan DyerThe Island Packet + Enlarge Image
Hector Mejias Buego and other homeless people frequented this abandoned trailer off Spanish Wells Road. The land was recently purchased by the town for $790,000 to preserve the view and adjacent headwaters of Jarvis Creek.
Jonathan DyerThe Island Packet + Enlarge Image
Hector Mejias Bueso was found dead of natural causes at this campsite,
located on the edge of a marsh that can be seen from William Hilton Parkway.
Some of his belongings remain almost two months after his death.
Jonathan DyerThe Island Packet + Enlarge Image
Inside the trailer, there are signs people still stay there. Expired food sits on the kitchen counter. There are grills and mounds of beer bottles outside.
Jonathan DyerThe Island Packet + Enlarge Image
