OCONEE COUNTY, S.C. — A 19-year-old Georgia man has been identified as the victim of a tragic drowning at Lake Hartwell early Saturday morning near the Harts Cove Apartments.
According to officials, the incident was first reported to Oconee 911 Communications at approximately 2:36 a.m. on Saturday, July 4. A nearby resident reported being awakened around 3:00 a.m. by flashing emergency lights and observed a large emergency response near the lakeshore.
Authorities later identified the victim as Kayden M. Jabara, of Hoschton in Jackson County, Georgia.
The Oconee County Coroner’s Office said the coroner was dispatched to the scene at approximately 8:20 a.m. Emergency crews located Jabara at approximately 8:10 a.m. in 17 feet of water, about 60 feet from the shoreline, following an extensive search.
Investigators said Jabara had been swimming with friends during the early morning hours before the incident occurred.
The Oconee County Coroner’s Office ruled the cause of death as drowning, and the manner of death was determined to be accidental.
The incident remains under investigation as authorities continue working to determine the full circumstances surrounding the tragedy. Meanwhile, family, friends, and members of the community are mourning the loss of the young man and keeping his loved ones in their thoughts during this difficult time.
