Ryan Douglas Bradford Obituary, Death; Coroner IDs victim in fatal Easley, SC shooting

Ryan Douglas Bradford Obituary, Death – Authorities in Pickens County, South Carolina, have identified the victim of a fatal shooting that occurred in Easley on Tuesday night. The Pickens County Coroner’s Office reported that they responded to a call at a residence located at 101 E. Terrace Drive in Easley, where a man had been shot. Upon arrival, officials confirmed the victim as 26-year-old Ryan Douglas Bradford, a resident of Easley.

According to the coroner’s report, Bradford sustained at least one gunshot wound to the neck caused by a pellet gun air rifle. Investigators believe the shooting was accidental, though no further details on the circumstances have been disclosed.

Emergency services attempted to assist, but Bradford did not survive his injuries. The case is under review as officials work to determine the sequence of events that led to the incident.

An autopsy is scheduled for Thursday, August 14, to provide more insight into the cause and manner of death. Authorities have not released information on who discharged the pellet gun or how the accident occurred.

At this stage, no other details have been provided by the coroner’s office, and the investigation remains ongoing. The community of Easley has been left shocked by the sudden and unusual nature of the tragedy, as pellet guns are generally considered less lethal than firearms but can still cause deadly injuries, particularly when vital areas such as the neck are struck.

Bradford’s death adds to a small but concerning number of cases nationwide where high-powered pellet or air rifles have been involved in fatal accidents. Officials continue to emphasize that such devices, while often marketed for recreational use, require strict safety precautions and responsible handling to prevent tragic outcomes.

Investigators are expected to release additional findings after the autopsy and as more facts become available. For now, the focus remains on piecing together the events leading to Bradford’s death and determining if any charges will be filed in connection with the shooting.

The Pickens County Coroner’s Office is working in coordination with local law enforcement to complete the investigation. No other injuries were reported at the scene, and it remains unclear how many individuals were present when the shooting took place.

This incident serves as a somber reminder of the risks associated with all projectile weapons, regardless of their classification. Even non-firearm devices can deliver fatal injuries if mishandled or used without caution. Authorities urge the public to treat pellet guns and similar devices with the same seriousness as traditional firearms, ensuring that they are handled only by individuals trained in safe operation.

More information will likely be released in the coming days as officials finalize the autopsy report and continue to interview witnesses. Until then, Easley residents and Bradford’s loved ones are left mourning the loss of a young life cut short by what appears to have been a preventable accident.