Man Shot While Riding Tractor Near Westminster

Update —-Investigators are making progress on this case. Additional interviews are being conducted along with some evidence being submitted to the SLED crime lab in Columbia today for testing. We do not believe any danger exists in our county at this time related to this shooting. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the family during this tragic time. Since this is an active investigation, the Sheriff’s Office cannot release any additional information nor elaborate on the nature of the evidence submitted to SLED.  

UPDATE:

At approximately 9:30 pm on Wednesday night, June 23rd, 911 communications received a call for assistance at 1490 Coffee Road near Westminster for an unknown medical complaint.

Emergency Services and Oconee County Sheriff’s Department personnel responded.

A 62 year-old Westminster man was discovered dead on his tractor that ran off into the woods; he had been bush hogging the pasture on the family property.

He was found slumped over in the driver seat; the engine of the tractor was still running.

The time of death is estimated to have occurred between 3 pm to 5 pm.

The deceased is identified as Danny Andrew Smith.

An autopsy was performed Thursday morning. The autopsy showed Mr. Smith died from a gunshot injury to the back. His manner of death will be classified a Homicide.  

This incident is actively being investigated by the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office.

Original Story:

Oconee County Coroner Karl Addis said an autopsy has been scheduled for 62 year-old Danny Andrew Smith. Addis said Smith’s body was found Wednesday evening after he had been bush hogging on a tractor at his property on Coffee Road. A medical event may have caused Mr. Smith’s death, according to Coroner Addis.