In South Carolina, a man was discovered dead after what appears to be an animal attack.
The man was discovered dead in a wallaby and kangaroo enclosure in a “apparent animal-related incident” off Highway 746 near Loris, according to a Horry County Police Department news release shared on Facebook.
“#HCPD is investigating an apparent animal-related incident at a location off of Highway 746 near Loris that resulted in or coincided with the death of one person,” according to law enforcement.
The victim was a relative of the animal’s owner, according to the news release. Chief Deputy Coroner Tamara Willard confirmed to PEOPLE that he was 52-year-old Eric Slate.
The incident occurred on Friday evening and involved a “non-domesticated animal and adult relative” in the animal’s enclosure, according to the news release. Police informed the public that “there are a number of other animals at the incident location” alongside the fact that “all animals are accounted for and contained, and there is no risk to the community.”
According to Fox Carolina, the coroner’s office confirmed that the victim died from “multiple blunt injuries” inside the enclosure.
Horry County Councilman Dennis DiSabato claimed that a kangaroo was “directly involved” in Slate’s death, according to News 13.
Robert Slate, the victim’s relative and the owner of 5 Star Farm, accepted responsibility for the incident in a Facebook post.
“Robert Slate, owner of 5 Star Farm, wishes to address a tragic incident involving a family member that occurred at the farm on the evening of May 9,” according to the post. “Horry County Coroner has ordered an autopsy to determine cause of death, due to the fact, the victim was found in an animal enclosure.”
“The animal was not, and never has been, outside of his secure enclosure. At this time, we kindly request respect and support for the family,” the statement concluded.
According to police, the animal involved in the attack has been secured.
Eric Slate’s cause of death has not been revealed at this time.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
PEOPLE has reached out to the Horry County Police Department and the Horry County Coroner for comment.