Two deaths remain under investigation

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of a 25-year-old Smyrna man last weekend.

The body of Steven Dale Pierce, 114 Humpshill Road, was found Sunday. Officials have refused to release any additional information, such as where the body was found or if they suspect foul play.

An autopsy was performed Tuesday.

Cherokee County Coroner Dennis Fowler said he planned to meet with relatives today before making an official ruling on the cause of death.

This is the second investigation for the coroner's office in the past week.

The State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has done a toxicology analysis as part of efforts to determine what caused a Ewing Middle School student to die while trick-or-treating on Halloween.

Andy Lowery, 13, of 131 Marietta Road, Lot 11, collapsed in the driveway of a Marietta Road residence about 8:40 p.m. and was pronounced dead a short time later.

A SLED toxicology report and a pathologist's review of an autopsy are among the activities underway in the investigation of Lowery's death.

"It normally takes six to eight weeks for SLED to complete a toxicology analysis. Because this death involved a child, there is a much quicker time requirement for completing the lab work," Fowler said. "We are working very diligently to complete the investigation into the death."

Fowler said more information is needed from medical tests before information can be released on what caused Lowery's death. The coroner declined to put a timetable on when the results would be available.

The Gaffney Ledger will publish the results on our Web site as soon as they are made available. Check www.gaffneyledger.com for updates.