Bartender Charged with Manslaughter After Allegedly Shoving Woman Down Stairs

A South Carolina bartender has been charged with voluntary manslaughter and assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature following the death of a woman who was allegedly shoved down stairs outside a beachside bar. Mary Lopez Hunt, 68, faces these charges in connection with the death of Joyce Tomlinson, 62.

Tomlinson's friend, Ruth Peterson, recounted the events of October 3, 2025, when the two women were celebrating their birthdays with a getaway on Edisto Island. Peterson stated that she had gone to retrieve their car while Tomlinson went to settle their tab at Coot's Bar & Grill around 11 p.m.

According to Peterson, she heard Tomlinson's voice and turned to see her friend at the top of the stairs. Peterson described Tomlinson as a meek and friendly woman. She witnessed Tomlinson exchange words with another woman, later identified as Hunt, before Hunt allegedly pushed Tomlinson with both hands. Peterson stated that Tomlinson fell headfirst, not touching the stairs, and landed on a concrete slab.

Peterson rushed to her friend's side and found no pulse. Tomlinson began bleeding from her mouth and ears, and Peterson knew the situation was dire. Tomlinson was airlifted to a hospital, where she died more than three weeks later.

Court records indicate Hunt told authorities that Tomlinson was belligerent and had yelled at bartenders before being asked to leave. Hunt also alleged that Tomlinson fell down the stairs.

Tomlinson, a resident of Minnesota, is remembered by Peterson as an "itty-bitty, tiny woman" with a "meek and mild" personality. The two women had been friends for 50 years, with their friendship spanning from childhood roller skating to raising their own families. They had planned to celebrate their 60th birthdays together for years, with the 2025 trip finally fulfilling that plan.

Friends and family are struggling to understand how the altercation escalated so violently. At Tomlinson's funeral, she was remembered as "a loving mom" and "a trustworthy friend." She is survived by a son.

Hunt was initially released on $100,000 bond for each charge. However, her bond was later revoked, and she was taken back into custody at the Colleton County Jail. The reason for the bond revocation was not immediately clear.

Coot's Bar & Grill and Hunt's attorney did not immediately respond to requests for comment.