🌱 Alligator Attack Claims Another + Admin Faces Misconduct Complaint

Good morning, neighbors! It's Friday in Hilton Head and I'm back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in town

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: Humid; a p.m. t-storm or two. High: 94 Low: 75.
• Saturday: A shower and t-storm; humid. High: 91 Low: 77.

Here are the top three stories in Hilton Head today:

1. Tragedy struck Beaufort County on Tuesday morning as a woman lost her life in an alligator attack, according to the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office. Responding to a distress call near a lagoon bordering a golf course in the Spanish Wells community, deputies discovered a 69-year-old woman unresponsive at the lagoon's edge, guarded by an alligator that hindered rescue efforts. Despite the removal of the alligator, the woman succumbed to her injuries, marking the second fatal alligator attack in Beaufort County within a year. (Live 5 News)
2. Beaufort County Administrator Eric Greenway faces a criminal complaint for alleged misconduct, as confirmed by the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office. The complaint, filed in May, covers a period from January to May of the current year. Both the sheriff and the 14th Circuit Solicitor have emphasized the importance of an independent investigation into the matter, leading the case to be forwarded to the Public Integrity Unit of the 1st Circuit Solicitor's Office. (WSAV)
3. The family of 20-year-old Sophia Van Dam, along with her 2-year-old son Matteo, who have been missing for almost two weeks, are appealing to the public for prayers and additional information. Last seen on June 24 in Beaufort, the mother and son were reportedly returning to Sumter, where they had recently relocated with Sophia's boyfriend. While authorities are leading the investigation, the family expresses frustration over the lack of information and urges anyone with details, no matter how small, to come forward to help find them. (Subscription: The Beaufort Gazette)

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Today and tomorrow in Hilton Head:

Friday, July 7

• Live Music On Daufuskie Island With NOAH At Daufuskie Difference (1:00 PM)
• Sunset Celebration At Shelter Cove Towne Centre (7:00 PM)

Saturday, July 8

• Hilton Head Community Market At Shelter Cove Community Park (9:30 AM)
• Live Music From Jon Rooks At Fishcamp On Broad Creek (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Hilton Head is looking to hire talented construction project managers to continue building an amazing town. More information about the job is available here. (Town of Hilton Head Island Government via Facebook)
• There will be a Town Council Workshop next week on Tuesday, Jul. 11. The meeting will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m. at Benjamin M. Racusin Council Chambers at Town Hall. (Town of Hilton Head Island Government via Facebook)
• With the rise of alligator attacks in the area, experts are weighing in with tips about how to keep you and your family safe. Check them out at the link. (WTOC)

You're all caught up for today! I'll catch up with you soon with your next update.

— Lauren Kubiak

About me: Lauren is an Editor for Lightning Media Partners. She graduated from Rowan University with a Bachelor’s in journalism. She was previously a full-time editor at an association management firm, editing peer-reviewed nursing journals, textbooks, and newsletters.