A 19-year-old Pawleys Island resident, Jayden Holloway-Caldwell, was fatally shot by Hardeeville police during an early morning encounter on January 23, 2026, at a Shell gas station near the Super 8 Motel. His family describes him as loving and protective, especially toward his grandmother, while mourning his loss amid an ongoing SLED investigation.​
Incident Overview
Hardeeville officers responded to reports of vehicle break-ins at the motel around 4:30 a.m., then encountered an armed man matching the description in the adjacent gas station lot. An altercation led to an exchange of gunfire, injuring both Holloway-Caldwell—who later died at a Savannah hospital—and a police officer, who is recovering. This marks the fourth officer-involved shooting in South Carolina this year, with SLED’s probe active.​
Family Perspective
Holloway-Caldwell’s mother highlighted his big heart and care for others, while his grandmother recalled his daily check-ins on her well-being. His sister emphasized his personal identity beyond the incident, as the family grieves. Court records note prior unrelated felony charges against him, including a stolen firearm and vehicle burglary.​
