Steven Douglas Lloyd Obituary, Death; – The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office announced on Monday that Steven Douglas Lloyd was fatally injured on October 18 along the Cherohala Skyway in Tellico Plains, prompting an extensive manhunt. According to the statement, Lloyd was 34 years old and resided in Knoxville.
The individual suspected of Lloyd’s murder, Nicholas Wayne Hamlett, remains at large. On October 31, a police department in South Carolina reported that it was deploying helicopters and K-9 units in the search for him, following a detailed press conference held by Monroe County officials regarding the case.
During the press conference, it was revealed that dispatchers received a call on October 18 regarding a hiker who had sustained injuries after fleeing from a bear and subsequently falling off a cliff. The hiker, who identified himself as Brandon Andrade, informed dispatchers that he was partially submerged in water.
Subsequent investigations led authorities to discover human remains nearby, which were initially linked to Andrade through identification found at the scene. However, it was later established that the identification had been stolen multiple times, and the remains were ultimately identified as belonging to Lloyd.
“Steven had a passion for the outdoors and was always willing to assist others. The family was devastated to learn that their cherished son had been taken from them by someone he trusted,” stated a release from the sheriff’s office.
During the press conference, officials indicated that they believed Lloyd and Hamlett were acquainted, characterizing Hamlett as a dangerous individual with a history of violent offenses. He faces charges of first-degree murder, and the search for him continues.
The U.S. Marshals have announced a reward of $5,000 for any information that leads to Hamlett’s capture. Authorities have indicated that he has significant connections across various locations in the United States.
