Tragedy at Amick Farms: Saluda County Mourns After Deadly Shooting at Poultry Plant
SALUDA COUNTY, S.C. — October 14, 2025
A wave of shock, sorrow, and disbelief has swept through the rural community of Saluda County, South Carolina, following a tragic shooting early Tuesday morning that claimed the life of one person and left several others injured at Amick Farms, a major poultry processing plant and one of the area’s largest employers.
The incident occurred around 5:30 a.m. on October 14, 2025, just as workers were beginning their shifts at the sprawling facility located off U.S. Highway 378. The quiet of the early morning was shattered by reports of gunfire inside the plant, prompting a swift and heavily coordinated response from local law enforcement, EMS units, and South Carolina state authorities.
What We Know So Far
According to initial statements from the Saluda County Sheriff’s Office, the suspect—identified as an employee of the plant—allegedly opened fire during a dispute on the processing floor. The shooting resulted in the death of one individual, a longtime Amick Farms worker whose name has not yet been officially released pending family notification. Three others sustained injuries ranging from critical to non-life-threatening and were transported to Lexington Medical Center and Prisma Health Richland.
Authorities quickly evacuated the plant and apprehended the suspect without incident. As of Wednesday morning, the individual is in custody and facing multiple felony charges, including murder and attempted murder. Investigators are currently working to determine the exact motive behind the attack, though early reports suggest a workplace conflict may have escalated into violence.
“This is a tragedy of unimaginable proportions for our community,” said Sheriff Josh Price during a press conference. “We are grieving the loss of a life and praying for the recovery of those injured. Our hearts are with the families and everyone affected by this senseless act.”
A Devastated Community
In a county known more for its quiet fields and close-knit farming families than violent crime, the news of a deadly shooting has left residents reeling.
Amick Farms, which processes poultry products for distribution across the Southeast, is one of the largest employers in Saluda County, with a workforce that includes many local residents and immigrants from nearby communities. For many, the plant isn’t just a job site—it’s the economic heart of the region and a place where generations of families have worked side-by-side.
“You don’t expect something like this to happen here,” said Lydia Martinez, a former Amick employee who now lives in nearby Edgefield. “Everyone knows someone who works there. We’re just in shock.”
Support and Healing Begin
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Amick Farms released a statement expressing condolences to the families of the victims and promising full cooperation with authorities as the investigation unfolds.
“We are deeply saddened by the events that took place at our Saluda facility,” the company said. “The safety and well-being of our team members is our top priority, and we are providing counseling and support services to employees as they cope with this heartbreaking loss.”
Crisis counselors have been made available to employees and their families, and operations at the plant were suspended for at least 48 hours to allow time for grieving and investigation.
Local churches, civic organizations, and schools have also stepped in to provide emotional and spiritual support. A community prayer vigil is planned for Thursday evening at Saluda High School Stadium, where faith leaders, community members, and local officials will gather to honor the victims and call for unity in the face of tragedy.
Remembering the Victim
Though the name of the deceased has not been officially released, coworkers and friends have begun sharing tributes online, describing the victim as a hardworking, kind, and devoted individual who had worked at Amick Farms for several years.
“He showed up every morning at 4:30 with a smile,” said coworker Devon Simmons, holding back tears. “He talked about his kids all the time. This just isn’t fair.”
A Growing Concern About Workplace Safety
The incident has renewed calls for stronger workplace safety measures, especially in industrial environments where tensions can rise under long hours and physical demands.
Several local officials acknowledged that while Amick Farms had protocols in place, this tragedy reveals vulnerabilities in security procedures that need to be addressed.
“This is a wake-up call,” said County Councilman Harold Greene. “We have to make sure our workplaces are not just productive—but safe. No one should go to work in the morning and not come home.”
Labor rights organizations have also responded, emphasizing the need for mental health support, conflict resolution training, and better conditions for workers in the food processing industry—where high-pressure environments can sometimes lead to dangerous situations.
Looking Ahead: Healing and Accountability
The Saluda County Sheriff’s Office, along with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), is continuing to investigate the case. A preliminary court appearance for the suspect is expected later this week. Prosecutors have indicated they may pursue enhanced penalties, given the deadly nature of the attack and the number of people affected.
Meanwhile, the broader Saluda County community is left to mourn, reflect, and recover.
“We are a strong community,” said Pastor Ellen Dawkins of First Baptist Church. “But we are also a wounded one right now. We must come together with compassion and purpose—supporting one another and making sure this never happens again.”
How to Help
Community members who wish to offer support to the families affected by the tragedy can:
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Donate to the “Amick Strong” fund, set up by local leaders to support medical and funeral costs.
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Attend the Thursday night vigil at 6:30 PM at Saluda High School Stadium.
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Volunteer through local churches offering meals and counseling services to affected families.
As Saluda County begins to pick up the pieces in the wake of a tragedy it never expected, one message is clear: the lives lost and impacted at Amick Farms will not be forgotten, and the community will stand together to ensure healing and justice follow in the days ahead.
Rest in peace to the victim of the Amick Farms shooting. Your life mattered. Your community remembers you.
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