Tragic Bull Attack at South Carolina Farm Leaves One Man Dead, Another Injured

On April 28, 2024, a devastating incident occurred at DK's Creek and Pasture along McGill Highway in Cherokee County, South Carolina. Brian Oliver, a 54-year-old man, was attacked and dragged by an angry bull while repairing a fence at the farm. His coworker, Mike Carroll, attempted to rescue him by stabbing the bull with a knife, but the enraged animal then turned its attention to Carroll, leaving both men severely injured.

Why this matters: This tragic incident highlights the importance of farm safety and the need for proper training and protocols when working with large and unpredictable animals. This tragic incident highlights the importance of farm safety and the need for proper training and protocols when working with large and unpredictable animals. It also underscores the risks and sacrifices made by farmers and agricultural workers who provide vital services to our communities.

According to Cherokee County Coroner Dennis Fowler, Oliver was repairing a fence post around 5 p.m. when the bull charged and dragged him into a nearby creek bed. The animal then proceeded to stomp and maul Oliver, causing severe injuries. Carroll courageously intervened, pulling out a knife and stabbing the bull in an attempt to get it off his friend. However, the bull then attacked Carroll, leaving him also in need of medical attention.

Emergency services responded to the scene, and both men were airlifted to separate hospitals because of the severity of their injuries. Oliver was flown to Greenville with critical injuries, including broken ribs, two broken shoulders, punctured lungs, and other trauma. He was placed onlife supportin the intensive care unit. Carroll was transported to Lancaster for treatment of his injuries.

Tragically, despite medical efforts, Brian Oliver succumbed to his injuries early Thursday morning, May 2, 2024, at Spartanburg Medical Center. The Cherokee County Coroner's Office confirmed his passing, which occurred just after 12 a.m. In a heartfelt Facebook post, Oliver's daughter, Megan Danielle Hughes, shared the news of her father's death, saying, "He had been fighting so hard since the attack on Sunday, but passed quickly & peacefully after a beautiful prayer was said." Hughes also reflected on the close bond she shared with her father, adding, "Though he's gone I know he will always be with me, since we were one and the same." The loss of Brian Oliver has undoubtedly left a profound impact on his family, friends, and the local community.

Mike Carroll's heroic actions in attempting to save his friend's life cannot be overlooked. He risked his own safety by confronting the enraged bull, demonstrating remarkable courage in the face of danger. Carroll remains hospitalized following the incident, with no update on his current condition.

An investigation into the incident is ongoing, and an autopsy will be performed to determine Oliver's exact cause of death. The fate of the bull involved in the attack has not been disclosed. This tragic event serves as a sobering warning of the potential dangers associated with working with large, unpredictable animals, even during seemingly routine tasks like fence repair.

The investigation's ongoing progress yields more details, and the focus remains on supporting the family and friends of Brian Oliver during this difficult time. The Cherokee County community has been left shaken by this heartbreaking incident, which claimed the life of a beloved member and left another fighting for recovery. Mike Carroll's bravery will be remembered as a shining example of the lengths one will go to help a friend in need, even in the face of extreme danger.

Key Takeaways

• Brian Oliver, 54, attacked and dragged by bull while repairing fence in SC.
• Coworker Mike Carroll stabbed bull to rescue Oliver, but was also injured.
• Oliver died from injuries on May 2, 2024, at Spartanburg Medical Center.
• Carroll remains hospitalized, investigation ongoing, and bull's fate unknown.
• Incident highlights importance of farm safety and protocols with large animals.