News Summary
A devastating event unfolded at Saluda Lake when 70-year-old Francis Andrew March from Easley drowned after jumping off a boat and failing to resurface. Local authorities, including the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office and emergency response teams, conducted extensive dive operations to locate him. After several hours, his body was recovered, and an investigation is currently ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. The local community reflects on the tragedy and safety concerns related to recreational activities in the water.
Easley, South Carolina — A tragic incident at Saluda Lake claimed the life of a 70-year-old man from Easley, identified as Francis Andrew March. On Saturday, March 25, he jumped off a boat into the lake at approximately 4:30 p.m. and did not resurface, leading to a massive search operation.
The emergency call reporting the incident was made shortly before 4:30 p.m., prompting swift action from local authorities. Deputies from the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the Saluda Lake Community Boat Landing at 605 Motorboat Club Road to investigate the situation.
In a coordinated effort to locate March, emergency response teams from both Greenville and Pickens County were involved, alongside EMS crews and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. These teams performed extensive dive operations in the search for March’s body, highlighting the urgency and seriousness of the situation.
After several hours of searching, March’s body was recovered at approximately 8 p.m. The exact location and depth of the water where he was found have not been disclosed. Following the recovery, the Pickens County Coroner’s Office confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the drowning.
At this time, no cause of death has been announced, and the coroner’s office stated that there were no other injuries reported. Authorities continue to investigate the incident, with collaboration between the Pickens County Coroner’s Office, the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office, and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
About Saluda Lake
Saluda Lake, a 331-acre reservoir located along the border of Greenville and Pickens counties, connects to the Saluda River. The lake is a popular destination for recreational activities, drawing numerous visitors and residents for boating, fishing, and other leisure pursuits.
This incident serves as a solemn reminder of the dangers associated with water activities. The community and local officials have expressed concern regarding safety measures at lakes and rivers, especially during periods of heavy recreation.
The investigation into March’s drowning remains ongoing, and authorities are expected to release more information as it becomes available. Community members and local authorities alike are mourning the loss of March, sending condolences to his family during this difficult time.
The story is developing, and updates will follow as more details are revealed from ongoing investigations. Regional safety officials continue to stress the importance of water safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
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Additional Resources
- WYFF4: Man Missing After Jumping Saluda Lake
- Wikipedia: Saluda Lake
- WSPA: Man Reported Missing at Upstate Lake
- Google Search: Saluda Lake incident
- The State: Upstate News Article
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Saluda Lake
- SC Daily Gazette: Death Toll Climbs in Tropical Storm
- Google News: Hurricane Helene
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
