SALUDA COUNTY, S.C. (WJBF) – A South Carolina teen has died after falling out of a boat into Lake Murray on Monday, the Saluda County Coroner’s Office said Tuesday.
According to authorities, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources’ search and rescue teams were called to the scene after an unoccupied boat was located in the lake by the Saluda County Sheriff’s Office.
The DNR dive team later recovered the body of the boater around 8:30 p.m. on July 28.
The victim has been identified as 17-year-old Bryson L. Burns of Lexington, S.C. According to the coroner’s office, Burns was the sole occupant of a small johnboat and fell in the water earlier that afternoon.
Saluda County Coroner’s Office, S.C. Department of Natural Resources and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division’s Child Fatality Unit are investigating the incident.
“The Saluda County Coroner’s Office extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Bryson Burns,” a statement from the coroner’s office reads in part. “This tragic loss is felt deeply throughout the community, and our hearts are with all who knew and loved him.”
An autopsy is expected to be performed this week.
