Orangeburg County, SC – The community of Cope, South Carolina, is mourning the tragic loss of Alexander Bloodworth, a 21-year-old whose life was cut short in a senseless act of violence. The Orangeburg County Coroner’s Office has officially confirmed that Alexander was the victim in a fatal shooting that occurred on Thursday, July 31, 2025, in the 100 block of Navy Drive in Orangeburg.
Authorities responded to reports of gunfire in the area late Thursday afternoon. Upon arrival, Alexander Bloodworth was found unresponsive and declared dead at the scene. The Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office launched an immediate investigation into the incident, and while details remain limited, the shooting has sent shockwaves through both his hometown of Cope and the broader Orangeburg community.
An autopsy is scheduled for Monday to determine the exact cause and nature of his death. Investigators are still piecing together the circumstances surrounding the incident, and no suspects have been named publicly as of yet. The sheriff’s office has urged anyone with information to come forward, as Alexander’s family and loved ones search for answers and justice.
A Life Full of Promise
Alexander Bloodworth was known to his friends and family as a kind-hearted, respectful, and intelligent young man with a quiet confidence and an infectious smile. A recent graduate of Edisto High School, he had aspirations of building a career in information technology and was actively pursuing certifications in networking and cybersecurity.
He was deeply loved by his parents, siblings, cousins, and extended family. His mother described him as a “gentle soul with a heart full of love,” someone who would go out of his way to help others and who always made time for those in need. His friends often turned to him for advice, a laugh, or simply to feel understood.
Alexander had a passion for gaming, music production, and coding. He was a talented self-taught programmer who spent countless hours learning new skills online, dreaming of starting his own tech company one day. In his free time, he volunteered at local youth events and enjoyed coaching younger kids in basketball at the community center.
Those who knew Alexander will remember his calm demeanor, his loyalty to those he loved, and his belief in a better future—not just for himself, but for everyone around him.
A Community in Mourning
The loss of such a young and promising individual has deeply affected the Cope and Orangeburg communities. Local leaders and community members have expressed their condolences and have joined together in support of the Bloodworth family.
“This tragedy reminds us of how precious life is and how quickly it can be taken away,” said a family friend. “Alexander had so much ahead of him. This is not just a loss for his family, it’s a loss for all of us.”
The Bloodworth family has asked for privacy during this difficult time but has also called for an end to the violence plaguing too many neighborhoods. “Our hearts are broken,” they shared in a brief statement. “We pray for peace, justice, and healing—not just for our family, but for every family that has experienced this kind of pain.”
Final Arrangements
Funeral services for Alexander Bloodworth are currently being arranged and will be announced by the family once details are finalized. In the meantime, a candlelight vigil is being planned for Tuesday evening at the Cope Community Center, where friends, neighbors, and classmates will gather to honor his life and legacy.
Alexander Bloodworth’s story is not defined by the tragic way it ended, but by the love he gave, the dreams he chased, and the light he brought into the world. He will be missed more than words can express.
If you have any information regarding this incident, please contact the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office or submit an anonymous tip through Crimestoppers.
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