No foul play suspected after body discovered behind Beaufort gas station
An employee at a Beaufort gas station found a body in the area of the store’s dumpster while taking out the trash Tuesday evening, according to reports.
There was no suspicion of foul play or trauma, according to a Wednesday morning release from Beaufort County Chief Deputy Coroner Shane Bowers. An autopsy was scheduled for Thursday to determine cause and manner of death, he said.
Photos from the Ribaut One Stop gas station following the discovery showed coroner’s staff and Beaufort city police officers — including Chief Stephenie Price — responding to the scene. Officers had cordoned off the property with police tape.
The deceased person found near the rear of the business “appeared to have suffered from a suspected overdose,” according to a press release from the Beaufort Police Department. Officers responded to the store at 1190 Ribaut Road around 5:40 p.m. Tuesday.
A Ribaut One Stop employee behind the counter Wednesday morning was also working when the body was discovered. He said the person was found behind the dumpster and not inside it.
Beaufort police reported a large police presence at the gas station just after 6 p.m. Tuesday. An update from the police department said the scene was secure as of 9 p.m. and there was “no threat to the public.” The investigation was ongoing as of Wednesday morning, the department said.
The discovery of the body was first reported by The Island News.
Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact Investigator Lynch of the Beaufort Police Department at 843-322-7828, referencing case number 26B09553. Tips can be submitted anonymously through the Crime Stoppers of Beaufort County website, via the P3 Tips mobile app or by calling 844-847-7238 (844-TIPSBFT).
This story was originally published March 25, 2026 at 9:20 AM.
