LANCASTER COUNTY, S.C. – Multiple law enforcement and emergency response agencies are continuing an extensive search for a missing hunter in a heavily wooded area near the Lancaster–Kershaw County line.
Hunter Reported Missing After Missed Appointment
Authorities said 70-year-old Charles Wayne McCoy was last heard from on Saturday, May 2, when he planned to go turkey hunting in the area. Concern grew after McCoy missed an appointment on Monday, prompting a relative to report him missing.
A command post has since been established near the intersection of the two counties as search crews work through hundreds of acres of difficult terrain.
Vehicles Located During Search Efforts
Search teams discovered McCoy’s white 2024 Toyota Tacoma and trailer parked at a nearby hunting club. Later Monday night, crews also located his Polaris side-by-side vehicle several miles away on Mudhole Road.
Officials said there is currently no indication that McCoy left the area voluntarily.
Large Multi-Agency Search Underway
Several agencies are assisting with the search operation, including:
- Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office
- Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office
- South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
- South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED)
- Lancaster County EMS
- Fire Rescue teams
- Coroner’s Mounted Response Unit
Authorities are using K-9 units, drones, and an SLED helicopter to help search the rugged area.
Difficult Terrain Slowing Search
Officials described the search zone as extremely challenging due to steep hills, deep gullies, and thick vegetation covering the area.
McCoy is described as:
- 5 feet 10 inches tall
- Approximately 185 pounds
- Blue eyes
- Ear-length graying brown hair
- Gray mustache and goatee
The search remains active as crews continue working to locate him safely.
