Latest news with #LakeGreenwood
Daily Mail
10-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Summer lake tragedy as couple die in horror boat crash
Two college sweethearts were killed in a boat crash on a South Carolina lake over the Fourth of July weekend. Thomas Chandler Davis and Abby Katherine Davis, both 23, were on a small Alumacraft speedboat on Lake Greenwood when the crash happened Sunday morning. At around 1.42am, officers with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) were on the lake and saw a Yamaha boat without proper navigation lights approaching the Alumacraft. Before they were able to intervene, it collided with the Alumacraft from behind, killing Thomas and Abby. The recent Clemson University graduates died from blunt force trauma, according to Laurens County Coroner Patti Canupp. There were a total of five people on the boat that was hit. One of them was ejected into the water and quickly rescued, while another was taken to the hospital before being released. Allen Sidney Benware Jr. III, the man accused of negligently driving the Yamaha boat, was arrested at the scene and charged with two felony counts of boating under the influence leading to death. Benware was on board with one other passenger who hasn't been identified by authorities and hasn't been charged with a crime. 'This tragic event serves as a stark reminder that alcohol and water are a deadly combination,' a SCDNR spokesperson said. 'We continue to urge the public: always designate a sober skipper. Lives depend on it.' SCDNR noted that the Alumacraft did have proper navigation lights on at the time of the crash. Benware was booked at the Laurens County Jail and was denied bond on Monday. If convicted, he will spend a minimum of one year in prison per count of boating under the influence. He also faces a minimum fine of $10,000 per count. The obituary for Thomas said he earned a degree in civil engineering from Clemson, a public university about an hour-and-a-half from Lake Greenwood where he died. It described him as a 'fitness enthusiast' who 'enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, and boating on the lake'. Abby's obituary revealed she got a degree in graphic communications and was currently freelancing in social media marketing. 'Her love for music and concerts was infectious. Abby's adventurous spirit led her to travel, always eager to explore new places and cultures, often accompanied by her cherished friends,' it continued. 'Known for her easy-going nature and warm personality, Abby never met a stranger.' Clemson University released the following statement after confirming Thomas and Abby were graduates. 'We are saddened to hear the news of these alumni who lost their lives far too soon. Our hearts go out to the families, friends and loved ones impacted by this tragedy.' According to the U.S. Coast Guard, alcohol is the number one cause of boating accidents. Last year, 92 people died nationwide from alcohol related boat crashes. That represented 20 per cent of the total fatalities in 2024.
Daily Mail
08-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Summer lake tragedy as college sweethearts are killed in horror boat crash
Two college sweethearts were killed in a boat crash on a South Carolina lake over the Fourth of July weekend. Thomas Chandler Davis and Abby Katherine Davis, both age 23, were on a small Alumacraft speedboat on Lake Greenwood when the crash happened early Sunday morning, WYFF reported. At around 1:42am, officers with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) were on the lake and saw a Yamaha boat without proper navigation lights approaching the Alumacraft. Before they were able to intervene, it collided with the Alumacraft from behind, killing Thomas and Abby. The recent graduates of Clemson University died from blunt force trauma, according to Laurens County Coroner Patti Canupp. There were a total of five people on the boat that was hit. One of them was ejected into the water and quickly rescued, while another was taken to the hospital before being released. Allen Sidney Benware Jr. III, the man accused of negligently driving the Yamaha boat, was arrested at the scene and charged with two felony counts of boating under the influence leading to death. Benware was on board with one other passenger who hasn't been identified by authorities and hasn't been charged with a crime. 'This tragic event serves as a stark reminder that alcohol and water are a deadly combination,' a SCDNR spokesperson said. 'We continue to urge the public: always designate a sober skipper. Lives depend on it.' SCDNR noted that the Alumacraft did have proper navigation lights on at the time of the crash. Benware was booked at the Laurens County Jail and was denied bond on Monday. If convicted, he will spend a minimum of one year in prison per count of boating under the influence. He also faces a minimum fine of $10,000 per count. The obituary for Thomas said he earned a degree in civil engineering from Clemson, a public university about an hour-and-a-half from Lake Greenwood where he died. It further described him as a 'fitness enthusiast' who 'enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and boating on the lake.' Abby's obituary revealed she got a degree in graphic communications and was currently freelancing in social media marketing. 'Her love for music and concerts was infectious. Abby's adventurous spirit led her to travel, always eager to explore new places and cultures, often accompanied by her cherished friends,' it continued. 'Known for her easy-going nature and warm personality, Abby never met a stranger.' Clemson University released the following statement after confirming Thomas and Abby were graduates. 'We are saddened to hear the news of these alumni who lost their lives far too soon. Our hearts go out to the families, friends and loved ones impacted by this tragedy.' According to the US Coast Guard, alcohol is the number one cause of boating accidents. Last year, 92 people died nationwide from alcohol related boat crashes. That represented 20 percent of the total fatalities in 2024.
Fox News
08-07-2025
- Fox News
Young couple's summer lake day turns to tragedy in boating collision
South Carolina authorities have identified the two 23-year-old victims of a fatal boating crash that occurred on Lake Greenwood in Laurens County on July 6. The Laurens County Coroner's Office identified the two deceased victims as Thomas Chandler Davis and Abby Katherine Davis, a young couple who attended Clemson University together, as FOX Carolina first reported. "On June 6, officers and investigators responded to a boating collision on Lake Greenwood involving two vessels. According to initial reports, an Alumacraft boat carrying five individuals was struck from behind by a Yamaha boat with two individuals onboard," the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources said in a July 6 statement. The SCDNR added that two of the individuals aboard the Alumacraft boat died in the crash and two others were transported to a nearby hospital to be treated for their injuries. Officials arrested and charged the operator of the Yamaha boat with two felony counts of boating under the influence (BUI). "We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims," SCDNR said. "This remains under investigation. Additional information will be shared as it becomes available." Abby Davis graduated from Clemson in 2024, according to her obituary. Her obituary also says "her love for music and concerts was infectious." "Abby's adventurous spirit led her to travel, always eager to explore new places and cultures, often accompanied by her cherished friends. Known for her easy-going nature and warm personality, Abby never met a stranger. Her love for animals, especially her beloved dog, 'Motley,' was evident to all who knew her, and she found great joy in their companionship," her obituary states. Thomas Davis was also a recent Clemson graduate, where he studied civil engineering. "Chandler was a fitness enthusiast who loved going to the gym. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and boating on the lake. Chandler also loved the thrill of riding SxS and cherished every moment spent with his family and friends, creating memories that will be treasured forever," his obituary reads. Both Abby and Thomas Davis were born in Greenwood, South Carolina, according to their obituaries.
