MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — A chilling act of violence unfolded late Friday night at one of Myrtle Beach’s most iconic and beloved landmarks, Peaches Corner, leaving a man dead and another injured. The tragic shooting has rocked the heart of the coastal community and cast a somber shadow over a place long known for its nostalgic charm and family-friendly legacy.
The Myrtle Beach Police Department has identified the deceased victim as Grayson Meyers, who was fatally shot during an altercation inside the historic diner, which has been serving locals and tourists since 1937. The suspected shooter, 17-year-old Evany McCray of Conway, was a restaurant employee who allegedly drew a firearm during a heated confrontation and opened fire in front of stunned patrons.
Authorities responded to the scene near 9th Avenue North and Ocean Boulevard around 11:15 p.m. Meyers was pronounced dead after suffering critical injuries. A second victim, an uninvolved pedestrian passing by the restaurant, was also struck by a stray bullet. Their condition has not yet been disclosed.
McCray, who was apprehended moments after the shooting, is now facing multiple serious charges as an adult, including assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and illegal possession of a firearm by a minor.
What led to the deadly altercation remains unclear, and police say the investigation is active and ongoing. Detectives are currently reviewing surveillance video and eyewitness testimony in hopes of clarifying the chain of events.
The violence has left the Myrtle Beach community shaken and grieving. Known for its neon sign and old-school diner feel, Peaches Corner has been a fixture on the Boardwalk for generations — a place where locals grew up grabbing hot dogs after the beach and where families made summer memories. For many, it’s unthinkable that such a setting could become the site of such horror.
“This place is part of our history,” one tearful local shared. “To hear about a shooting here… it’s like losing a piece of our hometown.”
Peaches Corner has since issued a statement offering condolences to the Meyers family and affirming full cooperation with law enforcement. The restaurant has temporarily closed its doors as investigators process the scene and the community grapples with what happened.
As Myrtle Beach mourns the life of Grayson Meyers, many are also left asking urgent questions — about youth violence, firearm access, and how a beloved neighborhood institution became the scene of such tragedy.
Authorities are urging anyone with footage or information from the area to come forward as the investigation continues.
This is a developing story.
