Edward Lee Eastmead V was 17 when he died on March 5, 2020, in Mountain Rest, South Carolina. A Walhalla native and sophomore at Walhalla High School, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and working on auto mechanics.

On the day he died Eastmead was at a friend’s house on Trillium Drive. While handling a handgun the firearm discharged and he suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the head; the Oconee County Coroner pronounced him dead at the scene. The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office concluded the shooting was accidental, reported that the handgun belonged to someone living at the residence, and did not identify any suspects or make arrests. Grief counselors and local pastors were made available to support the school and community.

If anyone was at the home that day or has information about the circumstances, please share what you know.