(Hilton Head) Island Packet week in review

Lightning sparks apartment fire on Hilton Head Island

A lightning strike ignited a small fire at the Marsh Point apartment complex on Hilton Head Island during a severe thunderstorm Sunday afternoon. Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue arrived at Marsh Point Drive at 4:02 p.m., finding flames burning from the roof of a multifamily building. The fire was brought under control by 4:17 p.m. and declared out at 4:32 p.m. Residents were not home at the time, and no injuries were reported. The blaze was confined to the attic of a second-floor unit, though one first-floor unit sustained minor water damage from firefighting operations. Eight units responded, including four engines, two medics, a truck company, and a battalion chief. The National Weather Service in Charleston had issued a severe thunderstorm alert for the area around 3:30 p.m., with heavy rain and lightning striking the island by 4 p.m. The warning expired at 4:30 p.m.

Reported by Li Khan, published June 15

Hilton Head taps former Beaufort County attorney

Former Beaufort County Attorney Brittany Ward has been selected as the new town attorney for Hilton Head Island, effective July 1. Ward resigned from the county in late 2024 amid scrutiny over a citizen complaint questioning the county’s purchase of land belonging to her parents. An independent investigation concluded she did not violate the county’s ethics policy and had disclosed the conflict to multiple departments. Ward was selected through a competitive bid process following the retirement of previous town attorney Curtis Contrane. She had already been working with the town through the firm Finger, Melnick, Brooks LaBruce P.A. Mayor Alan Perry praised her “exceptional experience” and “commitment to public service.” The town currently faces two significant lawsuits, including one challenging its $600,000 contribution toward re-dredging a marina in a private community and another disputing a service fee imposed by the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office.

Reported by Li Khan, published June 11

One dead in Hilton Head single-vehicle crash

One person has died following a single-vehicle accident on Hilton Head Island early Monday morning, according to the South Carolina Highway Patrol. The crash took place at approximately 12:28 a.m. on U.S. Route 278 near Helmsman Way. A 2007 Ford pickup truck was traveling westbound on the highway when it ran off the road and struck a tree. The driver died from their injuries at the scene. No additional details were immediately available, and the collision remains under investigation, Highway Patrol Master Trooper Joseph Rowell said.

Reported by Ben LeGrand, published June 15

Coroner names man found dead on Hilton Head beach

The Beaufort County Coroner’s Office has identified the man found dead on Hilton Head Island’s South Forest Beach early Saturday morning as Grant Polston, 23, of Suwanee, Georgia. Polston was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the coroner’s office. The official cause of death remains pending, with an autopsy scheduled for Friday at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. Police previously reported that Polston appeared to have suffered from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, authorities say. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation. If you or someone you know is suffering, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide Crisis Lifeline.

Reported by Li Khan, published June 15

Thunderstorm sends Hilton Head beachgoers for cover

A severe thunderstorm swept through Hilton Head on Saturday afternoon, sending beachgoers scrambling for shelter. By 3:50 p.m., a dark storm cloud loomed over South Forest Beach, where a lifeguard’s chair lay on its side beneath a red warning flag. Tourists filed through Alder Lane Beach Access hauling chairs, umbrellas, and coolers back to their vehicles. Staff at Loggerhead Landing at Marriott Grande Ocean rushed to bring in signs and close umbrellas as patrons in swimwear sheltered under the bar canopy, eating burgers and sipping cocktails. By 4:48 p.m., heavy rain had eased to a sprinkle, and by 5:06 p.m. it had stopped entirely. Chris Drum, visiting from Greensburg, Pennsylvania, said she has vacationed on Hilton Head every summer for 25 years and is no stranger to stormy interruptions.

Reported by Li Khan, published June 14

Bluffton church scammed into sharing member data

A Bluffton church was tricked into releasing the personal information of more than 400 members after receiving a fraudulent email, according to a police report. Campbell Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church received the fake email on June 2 from the address “churchofficejk@gmail.com,” which read, “Hi, please send me a copy of our church directory.” An employee complied, releasing names, addresses, and phone numbers of its members. A responding police officer advised the church to notify all affected members of potential scam calls and emails. The church declined to comment when contacted. Separately, two Hilton Head residents had over $1,000 worth of American Airlines miles stolen by unauthorized users in May, authorities say. In another May incident, an 82-year-old Hilton Head resident was called by a man who claimed he was connected to a truck carrying cocaine at the U.S. border, a tactic scammers often use while impersonating law enforcement or government officials.

Reported by Ben LeGrand, published June 12

This story was originally published June 18, 2026 at 5:55 PM with the headline "(Hilton Head) Island Packet week in review."