Shooting victim identified

The coroner has named the victim of the shooting last night in Mountain Rest. He is Edward Lee Eastmead, 17-year old Walhalla resident. Coroner Karl Addis says the death while visiting a friend at a home on Trillium Drive is an active investigation. The Sheriff’s Office released the following statement: “The victim was handling a handgun when the handgun discharged. Based on the investigation, this appears to be an accidental shooting. The handgun was owned by an individual of that residence, according to investigators. Sheriff Mike Crenshaw says anyone who handles a gun should always treat the firearm as if it were loaded; always point a firearm in a safe direction; always keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire; and always be sure of your target, backstop, and beyond.