Kershaw County Coroner David West says a 73-year-old Sumter man died Monday following a drowning accident at the Tailrace behind the Wateree Dam. Authorities say 911 received the call just after 11 a.m. after the man reportedly entered the river trying to retrieve a fishing rod that had fallen into the water. His wife told first responders he never resurfaced. Fire, EMS, Rescue Squad crews, and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources responded to the scene. The victim, identified as Paul Edward Turner, was located around 2 p.m. An autopsy has been scheduled as the investigation continues.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
