Stefan Mrgan, 36, was killed at his workplace, Coastal Firearms on Cainhoy Road in Charleston County, on November 2, 2021. Mrgan was a decorated veteran who had served 15 years in the U.S. Army as a Green Beret, combat diver, and sniper, and had received two Purple Hearts. After the military he worked as a firefighter and diver and later at the gun store. He is survived by his wife, Alison, and their three children.

Authorities say the store owner, Jon Whitley, brought a replica Glock BB gun into the shop intending to prank Mrgan, then picked up a loaded Glock 17 and fired, striking Mrgan in the lower face. First responders found Mrgan unresponsive and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Deputies were told the shooting was accidental; investigators concluded the conduct was reckless and noted Whitley’s firearms expertise as relevant to the case. An arrest for involuntary manslaughter was later made and bond was set.

If anyone worked with Stefan at Coastal Firearms or knew him from his military or firefighting years, information could help clarify what happened that day.