Investigators said Thursday they could not release the name of a man found dead inside a Hilton Head Plantation home Wednesday until an autopsy is completed.
The body of a white man was found on the garage floor in an advanced state of decomposition, suggesting he had been there more than a week, according to the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office.
Beaufort County Coroner Ed Allen said officials have notified possible relatives, but were still working to obtain dental and other medical records to verify his identity. He said the cause of death was also unknown.
An autopsy is being conducted at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, according to a Beaufort County Sheriff's Office news release.
The body was found at about 2:30 p.m. Wednesday after the Town of Hilton Head Island Fire & Rescue Division received a call for a welfare check at 1 Reflection Cove Court in Hilton Head Plantation, Fire Marshal Joheida Fister said. Neighbors had contacted plantation security after they did not see the home's resident for several days, the release said.
When firefighters arrived, the home appeared secure and there were no obvious signs of foul play, the release stated. However, while checking the home's exterior, firefighters saw through a window that the ceiling had collapsed and water was pouring into the kitchen.
Because of possible environmental hazards inside the home created by mold and water, it was deemed unsafe to enter without protective equipment. The S.C. Law Enforcement Division helped the Sheriff's Office process the scene safely.
Follow reporter Rebecca Lurye on Twitter at twitter.com/IPBG_Rebecca.
Related content:
) in the top menu.
symbol).
Comments