One Year Later: Memorial events announced to honor fallen MBPD officer Jacob Hancher

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WMBF) – Sunday marks one year since Myrtle Beach police officer Jacob Hancher lost his life, serving the community that he loved.

On Oct. 3, 2020, Hancher was responding to a domestic violence call when a gunman opened fire, killing Hancher and hurting another officer. The gunman, 20-year-old John Derek Aycoth, was shot and killed by police during a shootout.

The Myrtle Beach Police Department said there will be events all weekend to honor his life.

SATURDAY:

10 a.m. - Waterway Palms Plantation, located off River Oaks Drive, will be dedicating a playground in honor of Hancher.

SUNDAY:

9 a.m. - Mass and mural dedication at St. James Catholic Church in Conway

11:30 a.m. - Dedication ceremony to rename a section of River Oaks Drive for Hancher, the police chief confirmed. The Horry County Council passed a resolution recognizing Hancher’s dedication to protecting the Grand Strand community. The resolution directs that a portion of River Oaks Boulevard be re-named as the Officer Jacob Hancher Memorial Highway.

1:30 p.m. - Myrtle Beach Police Department will dedicate a memorial stone at the fountain located across from the Ted C. Collins Law Enforcement Complex.

Just last week, Hancher was inducted into the South Carolina Law Enforcement Hall of Fame.

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