July 9, 2025

Tragic Lake Greenwood Boat Crash Claims Two Lives

News Summary

A tragic boat collision on Lake Greenwood, SC, resulted in the deaths of two individuals and the arrest of a third. The incident involved a Yamaha boat colliding with an Alumacraft. Two victims, both 23 years old, were pronounced dead at the scene. The operator of the Yamaha has been charged with felony boating under the influence. This incident raises critical concerns regarding boating safety and alcohol consumption on waterways.

Lake Greenwood, SC – A tragic boat crash that occurred early Sunday morning has resulted in the deaths of two individuals and the arrest of one man on felony boating charges. The incident unfolded around 2 a.m. in Laurens County, South Carolina, when a Yamaha boat collided with an Alumacraft boat on Lake Greenwood.

Officials from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) were conducting safety checks on the lake when they noticed the Yamaha boat traveling without operational navigation lights. As officers prepared to intercept the Yamaha, it crashed into the Alumacraft from behind. At the time of the crash, the Alumacraft was carrying five people, all of whom had fully functioning navigation lights.

Tragically, two passengers onboard the Alumacraft, identified as 23-year-old Thomas Chandler Davis and 23-year-old Abby Katherine Davis, were pronounced dead at the scene. Another passenger was ejected during the collision but was quickly rescued without sustaining serious injuries, while a fourth passenger required hospitalization and has since been released.

The operator of the Yamaha boat, 37-year-old Allen Sidney Benware Jr. III, has been charged with two counts of felony boating under the influence, as well as a boating equipment violation. Following the incident, Benware was arrested and booked into the Laurens County Detention Center, where he is being held without bond.

The deadly crash has drawn attention to the dangers of mixing alcohol with boating, a concern emphasized by SCDNR officials. The investigation is ongoing, with officers working to interview witnesses and reconstruct the sequence of events leading up to the crash. Officials have clarified that their officers were not in pursuit of the Yamaha vessel at the time of the incident, addressing false reports circulating in the community.

The tragedy has left the local community in mourning, as many residents express their condolences for the victims. Both Thomas and Abby Davis were recent graduates of Clemson University, prompting an outpouring of grief from the university and the surrounding area.

This shocking event highlights ongoing concerns regarding boating safety practices, particularly the importance of operating watercraft soberly. While authorities continue their investigation into the incident, it serves as a somber reminder of the critical need for safety regulations on waterways.

As the community copes with this loss, discussions surrounding boating regulations and safety measures are likely to intensify. The impact of the crash extends beyond the immediate loss of life, reverberating through families, friends, and the recreational boating community in South Carolina.