PAGELAND, S.C. — A festive summer evening turned tragic during the town’s annual Watermelon Festival late Friday, when gunfire erupted near a crowded intersection, killing a 17-year-old boy and sending shockwaves through the tight-knit community.

The shooting occurred at approximately 10:41 p.m. at the intersection of McGregor and South Pearl Street—just feet from the Pageland Police Department’s tent and within yards of Chesterfield County Sheriff’s deputies who were working security for the event.

The victim, identified as 17-year-old Sean Davis, was struck by gunfire as dozens of panicked festivalgoers fled the scene, according to witnesses.

The initial 911 call was received just moments after shots rang out, triggering an emergency response.

First responders initially requested a medical helicopter to transport the critically wounded teen from the nearby Pageland Airport.

However, due to the urgency of his condition, emergency crews opted to rush him by ambulance to a trauma center in the Charlotte area.

Despite their efforts, sources confirmed Davis was pronounced dead before reaching the hospital.

The Chesterfield County Coroner’s Office officially declared his death around midnight.

Shortly after the shooting, agents from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) arrived on the scene to begin their investigation.

Crime scene technicians and SLED agents remained well into the early morning hours Saturday, meticulously documenting evidence and marking where the shooter may have fired and where Davis collapsed.

While law enforcement has not publicly named a suspect, investigators discovered a second trail of blood near the original crime scene, raising the possibility that another individual may have also been shot.

Sources indicated that hospitals in the region were likely alerted to be on the lookout for any patients seeking treatment for gunshot wounds—a standard protocol in active shooting investigations.

The Pageland Police Department released a brief statement confirming the fatal shooting and the age of the victim.

The statement did not include any details about the circumstances or potential threat to the public. The department also announced that the investigation is now being led by SLED.

Pageland Police Chief Dean Short offered condolences, stating:

“Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones of the young individual whose life was tragically lost. This is a heartbreaking event that deeply impacts our entire community.”

In response to the tragedy, town officials canceled the remainder of the Watermelon Festival, issuing the following statement on Facebook:

“Out of respect for the victim and their family, we believe this is the most appropriate course of action. Our hearts and prayers are with all those affected by this senseless act of violence. We thank our community for their understanding and ask everyone to continue supporting one another during this difficult time.”

The investigation remains active.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact SLED or local law enforcement.