St. Helena Island, South Carolina, October 13, 2025
News Summary
A mass shooting early Sunday morning at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island resulted in four fatalities and over 20 injuries, with several victims in critical condition. The incident coincided with a high school reunion, leading to widespread chaos as patrons attempted to escape. Local authorities are investigating the shooting while the community mourns the loss and organizes support for the victims. The tragic event highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence in the area.
St. Helena Island, South Carolina – A mass shooting occurred at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island early Sunday morning, leaving four people dead and at least 20 others injured. The incident was reported shortly before 1 a.m. Beaufort County deputies responded to multiple reports of gunfire and found a large crowd at the bar, many suffering from gunshot wounds.
During the incident, hundreds of patrons were present at the bar to attend a high school reunion for Battery Creek High School. Four individuals were pronounced dead at the scene, and at least four of the injured victims are in critical condition. Emergency medical services transported several victims to local hospitals, while others sought help at nearby facilities.
Willie Turral, the owner of Willie’s Bar and Grill, expressed deep mourning for the lives lost and the community’s pain following the incident. A vigil has been organized by the staff of Willie’s Bar and Grill to honor the victims of the shooting. Sandy Rose, the manager and co-owner of the bar, emphasized the establishment’s role in bringing the community together and expressed heartbreak over the tragedy.
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office looking into potential suspects. Witnesses reported that the gunfire sounded like automatic weapons, leading to concerns about the weapon used during the attack. The sheriff’s office has asked anyone with pertinent information to contact Investigator Master Sergeant Duncan at 843-255-3418.
This shooting adds to a worrying trend of gun violence in South Carolina and neighboring areas, following recent shootings at various locations. In a statement, South Carolina representatives expressed their condolences and prayers for the victims and their families. The identities of the deceased have not been publicly released as authorities are working to notify next of kin.
This isn’t the first violent incident at Willie’s Bar and Grill; the bar was previously the site of a shooting in 2022, which resulted in two individuals being injured.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Response
The ongoing investigation by the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is critical to understanding the circumstances surrounding this tragedy. As the community grapples with this devastating loss, support structures are being mobilized, and community leaders are encouraging unity and resilience in the face of violence.
Summary of Incident
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Willie’s Bar and Grill, St. Helena Island, South Carolina |
| Date | Early Sunday, shortly before 1 a.m. |
| Casualties | 4 dead, at least 20 injured (4 in critical condition) |
| Event | High school reunion for Battery Creek High School |
| Previous Incident | Shooting in 2022 (2 injured) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at Willie’s Bar and Grill?
A mass shooting occurred at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island, South Carolina, early Sunday morning, leaving four people dead and at least 20 others injured.
What time did the shooting happen?
The shooting was reported shortly before 1 a.m.
How many people were injured?
At least 20 individuals were injured in the shooting, with four victims in critical condition.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Four Dead and Over 20 Injured in Mass Shooting in Beaufort County
Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Leaves Four Dead
Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island
Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill
Tragic Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Claims Lives
Marine Corps Veteran Donald Ungar Passes Away
Student Charged After Bringing Pistol to Battery Creek High School
Beaufort, South Carolina’s Historical Events and Recent Tragedies
Tragic Fire Claims Life on Fripp Island
Community Remembers Beloved Residents of Beaufort
Additional Resources
- ABC News
- New York Times
- BBC News
- NBC News
- CBS News
- Wikipedia: St. Helena Island
- Google Search: St. Helena Island shooting
- Google Scholar: South Carolina shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: mass shooting
- Google News: St. Helena shooting
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
