Amateur SC gold miner dies among toxic chemicals

LAURENS, S.C. — (AP) Authorities say the body of an amateur gold miner was found in a Laurens County home among toxic chemicals that could be explosive.

Multiple media outlets report the chemicals found at the scene Tuesday afternoon are used to separate gold from soil. The man's identity has not been released, but officials say he was known to dig for gold in the area. The home is located outside Sumter National Forest near Clinton. Investigators don't think his death is suspicious.

Deputies suspect the man died from chemical exposure. An autopsy is scheduled Wednesday.

Hazardous material crews were working to safely dispose of the chemicals. Barrell Stave Road was temporarily blocked off.

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