ANDREWS, N.C. — The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal shooting that claimed the life of a 49-year-old man Friday morning in Andrews.

According to the sheriff’s office, deputies responded to a residence at 184 Wakefield Road at approximately 11:14 a.m. on June 26 after receiving a report of a gunshot victim.

When deputies arrived, they discovered Jeffrey Wade McTaggart, 49, deceased in the backyard of the home.

Authorities said the individual who admitted to firing the weapon remained at the scene and immediately called 911 to report the shooting. The individual told investigators that an altercation had occurred between the two men and that the firearm was discharged in self-defense.

Because of the circumstances surrounding the incident, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) and the Office of the District Attorney. Investigators from all three agencies are working together to determine the events that led to McTaggart’s death.

No arrests have been made, and officials say the investigation remains active and ongoing. Authorities have not released additional details, citing the need to preserve the integrity of the investigation.

Cherokee County Sheriff Chris Wood described the shooting as a tragic incident and said investigators are committed to conducting a thorough, fair, and impartial investigation to ensure all of the facts are carefully examined. He also thanked the North Carolina SBI, the District Attorney’s Office, Andrews Police Department, Valleytown Fire and Rescue, Cherokee County EMS, and Cherokee County 911 Communications for their assistance.

Anyone with information related to the investigation is encouraged to contact the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office at (828) 837-2589. Callers may remain anonymous.