A 20-year-old North Carolina man was fatally shot outside a downtown Gaffney night club early this morning.

Cherokee County Coroner Dennis Fowler and Gaffney Police are investigating the death of Sergio Trevon Leary, of 103 Chamwood Lane, Boiling Springs, N.C. - Cherokee County's first homicide of 2010.

Fowler said Leary and some friends were outside the entrance door of Peggy's Place on North Petty Street at 3:10 a.m. when a man approached the group and an argument ensued. According to Fowler, witnesses told authorities that one person was then struck in the head with a handgun before the suspect opened fire.

Leary was struck by the gunfire and ran about 30 yards from the bar before collapsing on the sidewalk, Fowler said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

A suspect has not yet been identified.