A 43-year-old man from Charleston, identified as John Ladson, tragically lost his life in a shooting on Wadmalaw Island early Saturday morning, October 19, 2024. Ladson was fatally injured by a gunshot and was rushed to the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), where he was pronounced dead around 3 a.m. The Charleston County Coroner, Bobbi Jo O’Neal, confirmed the cause of death as a gunshot wound.
The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation into the incident. Deputies had responded to the 5300 block of Maybank Highway around 2 a.m. after receiving reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, they discovered Ladson and quickly transported him to MUSC for medical attention. Despite efforts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arriving at the hospital.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under investigation, and authorities are working to piece together the events leading up to the tragic incident. No arrests have been made at this time, and further details about the incident are still being gathered.
This tragedy has left the Charleston community in shock, and condolences are being extended to Ladson’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward to assist in the investigation.
