FLORENCE, SOUTH CAROLINA — The Florence community is facing another tragic loss following the fatal stabbing of 29-year-old Anthony Ray, whose body was discovered outside an apartment complex on Harrell Street early Saturday morning, October 24, 2026.
According to local reporting, Florence County Coroner Keith von Lutcken identified the victim as Anthony Ray, a resident of Florence. The incident is being investigated by the Florence Police Department and the Florence County Coroner’s Office as authorities work to establish the circumstances surrounding his death.
A memorial account supplied for this article identifies the deceased as Anthony Bernard Ray. While local news reporting confirms the death of a 29-year-old man named Anthony Ray, additional personal details and the full name have not been independently established through the initial official reporting.
What Happened to Anthony Bernard Ray?
The fatal incident occurred early Saturday morning near an apartment complex at 307 Harrell Street, close to West Marion Street in Florence, South Carolina.
According to a report published by WMBF News on October 26, authorities discovered Anthony Ray outside the apartment complex after a stabbing. The discovery prompted an investigation involving local law enforcement and the county coroner’s office.
Officials have not released a detailed account of what happened before Ray was found. The time of the stabbing, the events that led to the confrontation, and whether anyone witnessed the incident have not been established in the initial news report.
The location, in a residential area of Florence, has become the focus of an investigation intended to clarify the circumstances of the fatal incident.
Police and Coroner Investigate the Stabbing
The Florence Police Department and Florence County Coroner’s Office are jointly investigating Ray’s death.
Coroner Keith von Lutcken confirmed the victim’s identity as Anthony Ray, 29, of Florence. Authorities also indicated that an autopsy would be conducted at the Medical University of South Carolina during the week following the discovery.
An autopsy can help establish the medical cause of death and document injuries relevant to an investigation. The findings may assist authorities as they work to reconstruct the events surrounding the fatal stabbing.
As of the latest report reviewed for this article, officials had not released additional information about the circumstances of the incident. No confirmed motive, detailed account of the events, or official explanation of what led to the stabbing was available.
Investigators may provide further information as the case develops. Until then, conclusions about the events or the people involved should be avoided.
Reports About a Person of Interest
A memorial post associated with the incident reportedly stated that a person of interest was in custody. However, this detail was not confirmed in the WMBF News report reviewed for this article.
Authorities had not publicly identified a suspect or announced related charges in that report. Consequently, the reported custody status should not be treated as established fact without an official police statement or reliable follow-up reporting.
A person being questioned or considered relevant to an investigation is not necessarily the same as someone formally charged with a crime. Any developments involving arrests, charges, or court proceedings should be verified through official records or confirmed law enforcement announcements.
For now, the investigation remains focused on determining what happened and gathering information about the fatal incident.
Remembering Anthony Bernard Ray
The reported death of a 29-year-old man has brought renewed attention to the loss experienced by families and friends when a life ends suddenly and violently.
A memorial message supplied for this article identifies the deceased as Anthony Bernard Ray and describes him as a beloved son and friend. The message expresses sympathy for those closest to him and encourages others to offer compassion and support to his loved ones.
These personal descriptions have not been independently verified through the initial news coverage. Nevertheless, they reflect the purpose of a memorial account: to acknowledge the human impact of a death beyond the official details of an investigation.
Further information about Ray’s life, including his occupation, interests, family background, and personal achievements, was not available in the reporting reviewed. Such details should be included only when supported by information from relatives, friends, or another reliable source.
Personal and Incident Details
The following information reflects the details available in the initial reporting and supplied memorial account.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name identified in local news | Anthony Ray |
| Full name in supplied memorial account | Anthony Bernard Ray |
| Age | 29 |
| Residence | Florence, South Carolina |
| Date discovered | Saturday, October 24, 2026 |
| Location | Near 307 Harrell Street, Florence |
| Type of incident | Fatal stabbing |
| Investigating agencies | Florence Police Department and Florence County Coroner’s Office |
| Autopsy | Scheduled at the Medical University of South Carolina |
| Suspect status | Not confirmed in the initial news report |
| Cause and circumstances | Under investigation |
Funeral and Memorial Information
Funeral arrangements and memorial service details for Anthony Bernard Ray have not been confirmed in the information reviewed for this article.
Family members or authorised representatives may share further information when arrangements are finalised. Those wishing to pay their respects should rely on verified announcements rather than unconfirmed online posts.
A Community Awaits Answers
Anthony Ray’s death remains under investigation, and important questions about the fatal stabbing have yet to be answered publicly. Authorities have confirmed his identity and age, but further information about the circumstances, possible suspects, and events leading to his death was not included in the initial report.
As the investigation continues, the priority remains establishing the facts and providing reliable information to the public. The reported loss of Anthony Bernard Ray is a reminder of the profound effect sudden violence can have on families and communities.
This article should be updated as additional details are confirmed by the Florence Police Department, the Florence County Coroner’s Office, or other reliable sources.
