South Carolina — Authorities have identified the man who tragically lost his life in a drowning incident Sunday afternoon at Lake Hartwell in Anderson County, South Carolina.
According to the Anderson County Coroner’s Office, emergency crews responded to reports of a possible drowning at Broyles Landing in Townville shortly after 2 p.m. on Sunday.
Officials said first responders arrived quickly at the scene and located the victim’s body within approximately 25 minutes of beginning search efforts.
The victim was identified as Jose Isidro Felipe Garcia, 29, of Anderson, South Carolina.
Investigators say Garcia had been spending time at the lake with friends and family before the tragic incident occurred. Preliminary findings indicate that Garcia was attempting to swim back to shore from a nearby island when he suddenly went underwater and never resurfaced.
According to authorities, Garcia was not wearing a life preserver at the time of the incident. Officials said he was later recovered from approximately 5 to 6 feet of water.
The coroner’s office confirmed that the cause of death was freshwater drowning, and the manner of death has been ruled accidental.
The heartbreaking incident has left family members and loved ones devastated as they mourn the sudden and tragic loss.
Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing as officials continue reviewing the circumstances surrounding the drowning.
The tragedy serves as another painful reminder about the dangers that can arise during water activities, even during what begins as a normal day spent with family and friends.
Thoughts and prayers remain with the family and loved ones of Jose Isidro Felipe Garcia during this difficult time.
