Authorities Identify 18-Year-Old Antwon Javice Carmichael as Victim in Harleyville Tragedy
HARLEYVILLE, S.C. — The Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the Dorchester County Coroner’s Office, has confirmed the identity of the young man found deceased on White House Pond Road in Harleyville on Sunday, August 3, 2025. Officials have identified the victim as 18-year-old Antwon Javice Carmichael of Orangeburg County, marking a heartbreaking loss for his family, friends, and the broader community.
According to investigators, deputies were dispatched to White House Pond Road after a passerby reported discovering an unresponsive male along the rural roadway. Upon arrival, law enforcement and emergency medical services confirmed that Carmichael had died at the scene. Authorities have not yet released the cause or manner of death, though the incident is being treated as a suspicious death while detectives work to piece together the events that led to the tragedy.
For those who knew him, Carmichael was more than just a name in a news report. Friends describe him as a vibrant, good-hearted young man with a contagious smile and a bright future ahead. He had recently graduated from high school and was considering furthering his education while also pursuing work to help support his family.
“Antwon was just starting his life,” said a family friend. “He had dreams, he had goals, and he had so much potential. This is an unbearable loss for everyone who knew and loved him.”
The news has left the Orangeburg County community shaken, with many expressing grief and disbelief on social media. Several former classmates shared memories of Carmichael’s humor, determination, and loyalty, recalling how he often stepped in to defend others and brighten even the most difficult days.
The Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office has stated that the investigation is active and ongoing. Detectives are interviewing witnesses, reviewing nearby surveillance footage, and encouraging anyone with information — no matter how small — to come forward. Tips can be provided directly to investigators or anonymously through Crime Stoppers of the Lowcountry.
Meanwhile, Carmichael’s family is left to navigate the unimaginable pain of losing their son, brother, and friend so suddenly. Plans for a candlelight vigil in his memory are already underway, with community members organizing the gathering to celebrate his life and offer support to his grieving loved ones.
As the investigation continues, many in both Dorchester and Orangeburg Counties are calling for justice — not only to hold those responsible accountable, but to honor the life Antwon Javice Carmichael lived and the future that was taken from him far too soon.