Four-year-old Chavis Berley.
Four-year-old Chavis Berley of Prosperity is dead after a tragic accident.
Investigators say he was playing in a neighbor's backyard when he got caught in a rope and strangled himself. Newberry County Sheriff Lee Foster last saw Chavis and his family enjoying the Prosperity parade.
"It was just a horrible thing to have seen him on Sunday and then on Monday, he met a tragic fate," said Sheriff Foster.
Foster says Chavis was playing on the playground set when he got tangled.
"I'm sure the designers of the set and the people that owned the set had no idea that that would be the cause of what happened," said Sheriff Foster. "So you just have to look at everything."
Investigators do not suspect any foul play. Currently, they have no reason to believe this is anything other than an accident.
"You have to watch your children and love your children," said Sheriff Foster. "But you can't shield them from where they can't get hurt, because people get hurt."
Family members say in a statement: "Chavis was a beautiful boy who showed love for the world better than most adults. The family is still grieving this accident. We appreciate all the prayers."
The State Law Enforcement Division is also investigating the case, but also do not suspect foul play.
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