LEXINGTON, S.C. — It is with a heavy heart that we say that one of Santa's magical helpers has passed away.
Fred "Santa" McCurdy died after health issues. The news was posted online by the Lexington County Coroner's Office.
Many who grew up in the 1980's and 1990's might remember McCurdy from his Santa throne at the former Woodhill Mall to his appearances at the Christmas Carillon, the Lexington Christmas parade, or the Flight Deck restaurant in Lexington.
In 1993, he received the Order of the Palmetto, the state's highest honor, from then Governor Carroll Campbell.
McCurdy also worked as a deputy coroner with the Lexington County Coroner's office from 1998-2005. A statement from the office says, "We truly appreciate his service and wish his family much peace during this terrible time of loss."
No word yet on funeral arrangements.
