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Tragic Shooting Claims Life of 15-Year-Old in Lake City

Community memorial in Lake City for shooting victim Kainon McKissick

Lake City, October 15, 2025

News Summary

A shooting incident in Lake City has left 15-year-old Kainon McKissick dead. He was shot in the 400 block of Elm Street and later died at the hospital. School officials expressed sadness over the tragedy and emphasize the availability of counselors for students. With community support initiatives underway, law enforcement assures an increased presence in schools amid ongoing investigations. This marks the second fatal shooting in the area within two weeks, raising concerns over gun violence.

Lake City – A tragic shooting incident in Lake City has claimed the life of 15-year-old Kainon McKissick. McKissick was shot on Monday in the 400 block of Elm Street and succumbed to his injuries later at the hospital. His death has been confirmed by Florence County Coroner Keith von Lutken, with an autopsy scheduled to take place this week at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC).

Kainon McKissick was a student at Dr. Ronald E. McNair Junior High School. Following the incident, the Florence School District 3 released a statement expressing profound sadness over the loss of a young life in the community. The district emphasized that counselors and support staff are available to assist both students and staff who are struggling with this tragic event. In the wake of the shooting, the district stressed the importance of community support and encouraged parents to engage in conversations with their children about emotional well-being.

In light of the recent violence, there will be an increased visible law enforcement presence at several schools in the upcoming days to ensure safety among students and staff. Lake City Police Chief Patrick Miles mentioned that the investigation into McKissick’s shooting is ongoing, with assistance being provided by the Florence County Sheriff’s Office.

This incident marks the second fatal shooting in Lake City within just two weeks. The first victim was a 27-year-old man named Nicholas Jenkins. However, Chief Miles clarified that the two shootings are not related. Authorities have encouraged anyone with information regarding either shooting to contact the Lake City Police Department to aid in their investigations.

In response to the growing concerns of gun violence in the area, the community has organized several meetings and outreach initiatives, specifically targeting youth engagement through local organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club. These initiatives aim to foster a safer environment for the community’s youth and promote peaceful conflict resolution.

The untimely death of young Kainon McKissick has sparked a wave of sorrow throughout Lake City, underscoring the pressing issue of gun violence that impacts local communities. As the investigation continues, the collective community response is leaning towards preventive measures and support for those affected by such violence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to Kainon McKissick?

Kainon McKissick, a 15-year-old from Lake City, was shot on Monday in the 400 block of Elm Street and later died at the hospital from his injuries.

What support is available for students affected by the incident?

Florence School District 3 has made counselors and support staff available to assist students and staff who are affected by the tragic event.

Are the recent shootings in Lake City connected?

No, Lake City Police Chief Patrick Miles stated that the two shootings, including the one involving Kainon McKissick and a previous incident involving Nicholas Jenkins, are not related.

How is the community responding to the recent violence?

The community has organized meetings and outreach initiatives, particularly targeting youth engagement, to address the issue of gun violence. Local organizations, such as the Boys and Girls Club, are involved in these efforts.

Key Features of the Incident and Community Response

Feature Details
Victim Kainon McKissick, 15 years old
Location 400 block of Elm Street, Lake City
Incident Fatal shooting
Investigation Status Ongoing with assistance from Florence County Sheriff’s Office
School District Response Counselors available, emphasis on emotional well-being
Increased Safety Measures Visible police presence at schools
Previous Shooting Nicholas Jenkins, 27 years old, unrelated
Community Initiatives Outreach targeting youth engagement through local organizations

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Tragic Shooting Claims Life of 15-Year-Old in Lake City
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Tyler Robinson Faces Death Penalty Charges After Shooting
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Investigation Launched into Workplace Burns at Florence Facility
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Additional Resources

STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER

FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.

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