HAMPTON COUNTY GUARDIAN

Victim of fatal pit bull attack remembered by school, Hampton Co. community

Cameron “Jayce” Hatfield

The young victim of a fatal animal attack will now be forever remembered by his school and community. 

Cameron “Jayce” Hatfield, of Brunson, died on Jan. 20, 2021, following an attack by a "pit bull" dog. He was only six years old and his death shocked and saddened the community, family and friends.

"Jayce was an amazing child," said his grandmother, Penny Graves Barnes. "He believed in God, and prayed for his family every day."

It has been more than a year since his death, but Jayce is not forgotten. His school, Fennell Elementary School in Yemassee, has honored his life by planting a tree, placing a memory bench on the campus, and hanging a bird feeder in his memory.

"This horrific accident has brought awareness to all the children about safety and dog attacks, especially at Fennell," said Barnes. "If anything good has come out of this tragedy, it is the knowledge going to the other children to know about stray dogs or dogs you don’t know that well."

Children and parents must always be aware of possible dangers around dogs, Barnes added.

Jayce's death is also having an impact on a larger level. A proposed South Carolina House of Representatives Bill, H. 4094, which would be known as "Jayce's Law" if approved, would require owners of unsterilized pit bull dogs and additional breeds to register their dogs with a governmental animal control agency and remit fees of $25.

Animal shelters around the state are in support of this bill, which would incentivize owners of pit bulls and related dogs to spay or neuter their pets in order to curb populations across the state. However, this bill has plenty of opposition from some animal groups and dog owners. The bill awaits final approval into law.

Cameron “Jayce” Hatfield's memory bench.

Meanwhile, as the issue remains contested in the S.C. General Assembly in Columbia, Jayce's life and sacrifice will not be forgotten here in Hampton County.

With help from Jack Hutto at the Hampton County School District Office, Jayce's school officials wrote a grant to fund a memorial to honor Jayce. They revealed his Buddy Bench during the school's awards day and graduation on June 24, 2021, where it was later placed on the school's playground.

"When I received the devastating news about our sweet Jayce, my heart shattered," said his Kindergarten teacher, Rebecca Evans, during the memorial at Fennell Elementary. "He was the most fun-loving, spunky, humorous and strong willed tiny human. He is a member of our family and we all love him deeply. Everyday I am reminded of a huge part of our family that is now missing.

"Who would’ve thought someone so small could have made such a big impact on so many people?" added Evans. From his hilarious sense of humor to his love for scary movies, I’m so thankful for the time and memories we were so blessed to share together this year."

"I am so blessed to have known and loved Jayce. And I knew without a doubt that his personality should be shared with many more children forever... Please continue to keep our class and Jayce’s friends and family in your prayers. His presence and special personality will be deeply missed forever. But in my heart, forever he’ll be."

This tree was planted at FES in memory of Cameron “Jayce” Hatfield.
In memory of Cameron “Jayce” Hatfield.