With heavy hearts, the Sumter County community is mourning the tragic loss of Keywaun Clark, 20, and Derek Parson, 19, whose lives were cut short following a shooting Tuesday night in Sumter County, South Carolina. The deadly incident occurred at approximately 10:45 p.m. Tuesday, October 6, 2026, in the parking lot of the Dollar General at 830 Racetrack Road.
According to Sumter County Coroner Robbie Baker, Clark suffered an apparent gunshot wound and died at the scene.
Parson was also shot during the incident and was transported to Prisma Health Tuomey, where he later died from his injuries.
A third person was wounded in the shooting. Authorities have not released additional information about that person’s condition.
Autopsies for Clark and Parson are scheduled for Thursday at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston as the investigation continues.
But beyond the details of the investigation were two young men whose lives mattered.
Keywaun was only 20. Derek was just 19. Both were at ages when so much of life should still have been ahead of them — more experiences, more memories, more opportunities and more moments with the people they loved.
Their deaths have left families, friends and loved ones facing a loss that came suddenly and without warning. For those who knew them, the pain extends far beyond the circumstances of the shooting. Their absence will be felt in everyday moments, familiar places and memories that will now carry a different meaning.
Two young lives were lost in a single tragic incident, leaving behind families who must now face the difficult days ahead without them.
Keywaun Clark and Derek Parson deserve to be remembered for more than the circumstances of their deaths. They were sons, friends, loved ones and young men whose lives had value and meaning to the people who knew them.
As the Sumter County community grieves, the investigation continues. The Sumter County Coroner’s Office, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and Sumter County Sheriff’s Office are working to establish what happened and identify those responsible. Sheriff Anthony Dennis said investigators are following all available leads.
For now, families and loved ones are left to mourn two lives that ended far too soon.
Though their time was tragically brief, the memories of Keywaun and Derek will remain with those who knew and loved them.
May Keywaun Clark and Derek Parson rest peacefully, and may their families, friends and loved ones find strength, comfort and peace during this devastating time.
