Crime & Safety
Orangeburg County Investigates Fatal Holiday Drowning
Orangeburg, SC – The Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office is currently investigating a tragic drowning incident that occurred at the popular Indian Bluff…
By Grant Holloway · 2026-09-09T02:10:55.032Z
Orangeburg, SC – The Orangeburg County Sheriff & 39;s Office is currently investigating a tragic drowning incident that occurred at the popular Indian Bluff Landing waterfront. Sheriff Leroy Ravenell confirmed that a holiday gathering ended in a loss of life after two teenagers failed to resurface while in the water.
According to the sheriff& 39;s office, deputies were dispatched to the landing shortly after 4:00 p.m. on Monday, September 7, 2026. Upon arrival, emergency personnel initiated a rescue effort. One deputy managed to pull one of the teenagers from the water. The victim was resuscitated after the deputy performed emergency CPR on the scene.
Unfortunately, the second teenager was not rescued and has been confirmed deceased. "It& 39;s tragic that a holiday turned into a nightmare for the community," Sheriff Ravenell stated in a press briefing following the event. The sheriff extended his condolences to the families and requested the community’s prayers for those affected by the ordeal.
The incident remains under active investigation by the Orangeburg County Sheriff& 39;s Office as authorities work to determine the circumstances leading to the tragedy. Officials have not released the identities of the victims at this time, citing the ongoing nature of the inquiry and the need to respect the privacy of the families involved.
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