Body Found Under Lake Hartwell Bridge Sparks Death Investigation

OCONEE COUNTY, S.C. — Authorities are investigating the death of a 21-year-old man whose body was found beneath a bridge near Lake Hartwell on Saturday morning. The Oconee County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as Richard Christian Craig of Westminster.

The discovery was made after the E-911 Communications Center received a call at 9:44 a.m. reporting an unresponsive man beneath the bridge on Blackjack Road, near Foxwood Hills. Deputies arrived to find Craig dead on an embankment below the bridge. The coroner believes he died on Friday.

According to officials, Craig fell down the embankment but was not found in the lake itself. An autopsy is scheduled for Monday to determine the cause and manner of death. The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office stated there is no danger to the public.

“We are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident,” a spokesperson for the coroner’s office said. “Our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time.”

Craig, a resident of the Westminster and Fair Play area, was described as a young man with a promising future. Friends and family have expressed shock and grief over his sudden death.

Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to contact the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office. The investigation remains ongoing.