SCDNR investigating weekend boating incidents on Lake Murray

Lake Murray, SC — The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) is investigating a weekend boating incident on Lake Murray. This resulted in one boater’s death.

Early Saturday morning, at approximately 1 a.m., SCDNR officers responded to Tom Drafts Point off Lake Murray in the Gilbert area. They were dispatched to a report of a single-boat accident that resulted in one fatality.

Investigators say the driver of a pontoon boat was preparing to dock when the engine cut off. While trying to restart the engine and gain control of the boat, the boat drifted into a dead tree on the edge of the lake. That broke off and fell on a passenger in the boat. The individual was taken to the hospital where they were pronounced dead. The Lexington County Coroner’s Office will release information about the deceased once the proper notifications were made.

As the investigation into this tragic incident continues, the amount of charges has not been finalized at this time.