Kashawn Glaze, Amos Gary Obituary, Death – Authorities in South Carolina have released the names of the four individuals who tragically lost their lives in a weekend incident at a bar on St. Helena Island, where at least 20 others were also hurt. The incident took place early Sunday at Willie’s Bar and Grill, a popular local spot known for its welcoming atmosphere and community gatherings.
The Beaufort County Coroner’s Office identified those who passed away as Kashawn Glaze, 22; Sherrod Smalls, 33; Amos Gary, 54; and A’shan’tek Milledge, 22, all of whom were from the local area. Law enforcement officials say that investigations are ongoing, as detectives continue piecing together the sequence of events that led to the tragedy. Sheriff’s Lt. Danny Allen said Monday that, at this stage, authorities do not have new information to share publicly but are pursuing all available leads.
The bar was reportedly crowded with guests who had gathered for an alumni celebration linked to Battery Creek High School in Beaufort. What began as an evening of music and connection turned distressing when unexpected violence disrupted the event. In the aftermath, emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene to assist those who were hurt, while others were transported to nearby hospitals for medical care.
By Monday afternoon, flowers, candles, and handwritten messages began appearing outside the entrance of Willie’s Bar and Grill, transforming the site into a space of reflection and mourning. Community members gathered to pay tribute to those who lost their lives and to offer comfort to friends and families affected by the tragedy.
Bar owner Willie Turral spoke briefly with WCSC-TV, expressing deep sorrow and empathy for the community’s loss. “It’s hard to have your name on the door and not feel the weight of what’s happening,” he said, acknowledging both the emotional impact and the shared grief of residents who view the establishment as more than just a place to eat or socialize.
Willie’s Bar and Grill has long been considered a cornerstone of the St. Helena Island community. The restaurant, known for its Gullah-inspired cuisine, highlights dishes that reflect the island’s rich cultural heritage and culinary traditions. On its website, the business describes itself as “not just a restaurant but a community pillar committed to giving back, especially to our youth.” That mission, residents say, has helped make the venue a gathering space where locals come together to celebrate their shared roots.
St. Helena Island is home to a significant number of Gullah people—descendants of enslaved West Africans who worked on coastal rice plantations before gaining their freedom following the Civil War. Many of their descendants, now numbering in the thousands, continue to live on the island, preserving the Gullah language, culture, and customs that have defined their community for generations.
In light of the incident, local leaders have called for calm and unity, emphasizing the need for residents to support one another during this difficult time. Churches and community organizations have also announced plans for prayer gatherings and counseling sessions to help those affected cope with their grief.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office continues to work with state authorities to investigate what led to the outbreak of violence. Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage, gathering witness statements, and encouraging anyone with information to come forward.
As St. Helena Island mourns, many say they are determined to remember the victims not just for how they died, but for how they lived — as valued members of a close-knit community that has long prided itself on resilience, faith, and unity. The sense of loss is deep, but so too is the resolve to honor the victims’ memories by rebuilding and strengthening the bonds that define this historic island.
