‘I had hope’: Friend of Missing Hopkins Native Speaks Out

GREENWOOD, S.C. — Unveiling a tragic event

The loss of Staff Sgt. Porsha Griffin, a Hopkins native who went missing while tubing on Lake Greenwood in Laurens County, has left her family, friends, and community in mourning. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources confirmed on Monday afternoon that the search operation had ended with the unfortunate discovery of Griffin’s body.

A memorable day takes a devastating turn

The search for Griffin’s body had been underway since May 25. The 30-year-old woman was reportedly enjoying a day of tubing but went underwater and never resurfaced. For more than a week, Griffin’s loved ones, including Diamond De La Rosa, who was tubing with her when the incident occurred, held out hope for her safe return.

A Friend’s Heartfelt Account

“My heart is broken, I just don’t know how to go on,” shares De La Rosa grappling with reality. “It was the closure we needed but also confirmed what we didn’t want to believe, that she’s gone.” De La Rosa was part of the group that witnessed Griffin’s disappeareance. The seemingly fun tubing adventure turned sour when Griffin went underwater unexpectedly and failed to reappear. “It was truly heartbreaking,” De La Rosa recalls, her voice heavy with grief.

Hope amid Despair

As the search for Griffin persisted, De La Rosa experienced a rollercoaster of emotions. She expressed, “I had hope that maybe she was just stuck on an island, or perhaps another boat had picked her up, and they didn’t realize she was missing.”

Paying Tribute to a Remarkable Life

Besides serving as a staff sergeant for the Army National Guard, Griffin was a beloved elder sibling to three, a mother to a 9-year-old girl, and a recent nursing school graduate known for her selfless service. “She fed the homeless for Thanksgiving, waking up early to cook a feast. She loved people,” De La Rosa fondly remembered.

Keesha Drummond, a fellow student from Griffin’s nursing school, echoed these sentiments, recalling the care Griffin put into preparing meals for the homeless. The pain of Griffin’s loss weighs heavily on her friends and family, particularly her 9-year-old daughter.

Outpouring of Support and Condolences

While details surrounding the recovery of Griffin’s body have not been publicly disclosed out of respect for her family, officials have shared their expressions of condolence. “We extend our gratitude to all involved in the search and recovery efforts,” a statement stated. “Our heartfelt condolences remain with the victim’s family and loved ones.”

The funeral arrangements for Griffin have not yet been announced. This tragic event underscores the need for precaution and safety measures when engaging in water-based adventures.