23-Year-Old Drowning Victim Identified in Laurens County, Second Incident in a Month Amid Growing Concerns Over Saluda River Safety

Saluda River Drowning Victim Identified

In a tragic incident at the Saluda River near Irvin Pitts Memorial Park in Ware Shoals, the drowning victim was identified as a 23-year-old young man named Juan Otoniel Antonio Simon, according to the Laurens County Coroner’s Office.

Simon’s body was discovered on Sunday evening, around 7:30 PM, in nine feet of water. Swift River Rescue Team, along with the emergency personnel, were called to the scene and carried out the rescue operation for almost three hours, according to the Laurens County Deputy Coroner Bill Williams.

Second Drowning Incident in a Month

This unfortunate incident marks the second drowning in Laurens County in the past month. Earlier, Porsha Griffin had drowned while tubing on May 25. It took an arduous 10-day search operation by the emergency services to recover her body.

Dangers of the Saluda River

Irvine Pitts Memorial Park, located near the Saluda River is a popular spot for local swimmers and anglers. However, the strong currents, especially in the rock-laden areas of the river, pose a significant risk. Information relayed from Simon’s family to Deputy Coroner Williams confirms that despite being a swimmer, Simon was overwhelmed by the current.

In May 2022, this area witnessed a similar tragedy where two men drowned in as many days due to the fast-moving river currents caused by heavy rains. The victims included a 19-year-old youngster from Greenwood named Bernard Mason, and a 43-year-old man from Laurens, Saul Diaz Luna.

Investigation and Autopsy

The authorities have initiated a thorough investigation into Simon’s untimely demise. The body of the deceased has been transported to Greenville for an autopsy to ascertain the exact circumstances leading to the tragedy.

As incidents pile up, the public is advised to exercise extreme caution while swimming in the river, especially during periods of heavy rainfall that may result in turbulent currents, making swimming dangerous even for proficient swimmers. It’s always safer to swim in designated areas under lifeguard supervision and follow all safety guidelines to prevent such unfortunate incidents.

The community is in shock and mourning after losing Simon, a young and loved member of the community. Our thoughts and prayers are with Simon’s family during this challenging time.

While we mourn the loss of young Simon, let this incident be a reminder to each one of us about the absolute necessity of water safety and the precarious nature of the elements we often take for granted.