U.S. Man Died of ‘Blunt Force Injuries’ After Suspected Fight With Kangaroo

A 52-year-old South Carolina man, Eric Slate, died from “multiple blunt force injuries” after a suspected altercation with a kangaroo at a children’s petting zoo in Horry County. The tragic incident unfolded at 5 Star Farms, where Slate, the brother of zoo owner Robert Slate, frequently entered an enclosure to “roughhouse” with a kangaroo named Jack.

According to local officials, Slate’s death followed one such encounter inside the kangaroo’s enclosure. The man-versus-marsupial match, which had seemingly become part of a routine, ended fatally this time—raising both eyebrows and safety concerns.

The kangaroo, named Jack, is alive and accounted for. Authorities have confirmed that all animals at the zoo remain within their enclosures and are not considered a threat to public safety. Importantly, Jack did not escape—Eric willingly entered Jack’s enclosure.

Jack has not been euthanized following the incident, and there are currently no plans to do so. Given that Eric initiated contact and considering South Carolina’s Stand Your Ground laws, Jack is not being treated as the aggressor. Inspectors will soon evaluate the facility to ensure all safety protocols are up to standard.

In a public statement, 5 Star Farms emphasized that Jack never left his enclosure and that the safety of both animals and visitors remains a top priority—though that standard seemingly did not apply when the owner’s brother opted to engage in unsanctioned matches with the kangaroo.

Unfortunately, fatal incidents at petting zoos are not unheard of. In 2022, a camel in Tennessee escaped and killed two men before being shot by responding officers. In contrast, no similar action is expected against Jack, as Slate’s engagement with the animal was a known activity carrying inherent risk.

Ultimately, this case underscores the potential dangers of interacting too closely with wild animals—even within controlled environments. While Jack may not face consequences, the tragedy serves as a somber reminder that even familiar routines can turn fatal when nature takes an unexpected turn.