Summerville Man Dies Along Highway 78

Carl McClain Jr. of Summerville died Wednesday due to a heart arrhythmia after running down Highway 78.

The 49-year-old man had begun running toward Summerville from the Dorchester County jail in St. George after being released and processed for failure to pay child support, according to Dorchester County Coroner Chris Nisbet. McClain made it a few miles before collapsing, Nisbet said. 

Nisbet said the man was on high blood pressure medication, and the exercise coupled with the man not taking his medication may have contributed to the arrhythmia.

While arrhythmias are not necessarily fatal, a defibrillator is often needed to prevent death, Nisbet said.

According to a family friend, McClain had some health problems and was recently unemployed with three children to support. His son from a previous marriage is now serving in the military. McClain was described as a "kind-hearted person." 

"He was good with his hands, a talented fellow. Just always real nice," the friend said, citing that McClain would help his ill father-in-law. The friend wished to remain anonymous.