Doctor Shooting In South Carolina: Remembered By Students And Colleagues, Beloved By Governor To Sheriff

Robert Lesslie and Barbara. (Source: robertlesslie.com)

JAKARTA - A brutal shooting has shocked The State of South Carolina, United States, when former National Football League (NFL) professional player Philip Adams reportedly shot dead five people before committing suicide.

A prominent South Carolina Emergency Unit (ICU) doctor, Robert Lesslie, and his wife Barbara and two grandchildren, were killed in a brutal shooting inside his residence. Meanwhile, two technical air conditioners were also shot outside Lesslie's residence. A technician named James Lewis was pronounced dead.

York County Sheriff Kevin Tolson said investigators are still investigating the shooting, despite believing James was the sole culprit. Tolson said it's unclear why Adams brought two guns to Lesslie's property in Rock Hill, a town of 74,000 just across the border from Charlotte, North Carolina.

"There's nothing about this right now that makes sense to all of us," Tolson said, addressing CNN Friday, April 9.

Dr. Lesslie's four children said in a statement that the family was in a state of unimaginable loss.

"While we know there are no answers that will answer the question of 'why', we are convinced of one thing, we do not grieve like those who have no hope. Our hope is found in the promise of Jesus Christ. And we are enveloped by the peace that transcends all understanding," the statement said.

Lesslie's death has gained sympathy and memories of his services while still alive. South Carolina State Governor Henry McMaster offered his condolences to the victims via Twitter.

"Tragic and heartbreaking news from Rock Hill this morning. Please join @1stLadySC and me to lift the Lesslie family in prayer during this difficult time," the Tweet read.

Sheriff Tolson cited the late Lesslie as a pillar in the community, recalling his role and contributions to the community as a supervising physician, medical director of Winthrop University, and establishing hospital services and home call doctor services. Tolson was treated by Lesslie.

"Lesslie is a pillar in the community. He's treated me in the past at his clinic. He knew everyone, he treated everyone with respect," Tolson recalled.

Meanwhile, his colleague who is also President of Winthrop University George Hynd said that Robert Lesslie's contribution to the school is very broad, especially for students who are greatly helped by Lesslie's presence.

"I will personally be forever grateful to him for the advice he gave to our COVID-19 response team when we opened the campus last fall for housing and learning," Hynd said.

Five dead, including two grandchildren, in South Carolina shooting

Dr. Robert Lesslie, his wife, Barbara Lesslie, and their two grandchildren, 9-year-old Adah and 5-year-old Noah, all died from gunshot wounds, as well as 39-year-old James Lewis. https://t.co/n66wrVegfz

— New York Daily News (@NYDailyNews) April 8, 2021