News Summary
A 70-year-old man named Francis Andrew March was confirmed dead after drowning in Saluda Lake. The incident happened at the Saluda Lake Community Boat Landing when March jumped from his boat and did not resurface. Search and rescue operations involving divers and emergency services were initiated, and his body was recovered several hours later. An investigation by the Pickens County Coroner’s Office is ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding this tragic event, reminding the community of the potential dangers of recreational boating and swimming.
Easley, South Carolina – A 70-year-old man was confirmed dead after drowning in Saluda Lake on Saturday. The Pickens County Coroner confirmed the incident occurred at the Saluda Lake Community Boat Landing, with emergency personnel responding to reports of a missing person just minutes after the incident was first noted.
The victim, identified as Francis Andrew March from Easley, had jumped from his boat into the lake around 4:30 p.m. but failed to resurface. The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office received the report of his disappearance at 4:27 p.m., prompting immediate action from local authorities.
Search and rescue operations commenced quickly, with divers from both the Greenville and Pickens County sheriff’s offices, alongside emergency medical services (EMS) and experts from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. March’s body was ultimately recovered by dive teams just before 8 p.m., the same day he was reported missing.
As of now, the Pickens County Coroner’s Office is leading an investigation into the circumstances of the drowning. There has been no official announcement regarding the cause of death, and no further injuries were reported in connection to the incident.
Saluda Lake, where the tragedy occurred, spans 331 acres and is a popular reservoir situated on the border between Greenville and Pickens counties. It connects with the Saluda River, providing recreational opportunities for locals and visitors. The specific area within the lake where March’s body was located, as well as the water’s depth at that point, has not yet been disclosed.
The incident took place at the Saluda Lake Community Boat Landing, located at 605 Motorboat Club Road, a common access point for boating activities in the area. Authorities continue to conduct their investigation into the tragic event, aiming to understand any contributing factors leading up to the drowning.
As the community mourns the loss of Francis Andrew March, local officials remind boaters and swimmers to prioritize safety and remain vigilant while engaging in water activities. The incident serves as a sad reminder of the potential dangers associated with recreational boating and swimming, especially in natural water bodies.
Efforts will continue from local authorities as they seek to provide answers and ensure safety measures are in place to prevent future incidents on Saluda Lake.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WYFF4
- Wikipedia: Saluda Lake
- WSPA
- Google Search: Saluda Lake
- The State
- Google Scholar: drowning prevention water safety
- SC Daily Gazette
- Encyclopedia Britannica: drowning
- CNN
- Google News: drowning incidents South Carolina
