July 7, 2025

Boating Collision on Lake Greenwood Results in Two Fatalities

News Summary

A tragic boating accident on Lake Greenwood led to the death of two individuals and the arrest of Allen Sidney Benware Jr. III, the operator of the other vessel, on two counts of Felony Boating Under the Influence. The crash involved a Yamaha boat and an Alumacraft jon boat, witnessed by law enforcement conducting safety operations. The incident underscores the dangers of alcohol consumption while boating, with authorities calling for sober skippers to ensure safety on the water.

Greenwood, South Carolina – A tragic boating incident on Lake Greenwood early Sunday morning resulted in the deaths of two individuals and has led to the arrest of the operator of the other vessel, Allen Sidney Benware Jr. III, for two counts of Felony Boating Under the Influence (BUI).

The collision occurred around 1:42 a.m. on July 6, 2025, when a Yamaha boat with two occupants collided with an Alumacraft jon boat carrying five people. The crash was witnessed by officers from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), who were conducting safety operations in the area.

Following the collision, officers immediately rendered life-saving aid to those involved. Two passengers from the Alumacraft were pronounced dead at the scene, though their identities have not yet been released. A female passenger was ejected into the water but was swiftly rescued without serious injuries. Another individual from the Alumacraft was transported to a hospital and has since been released.

The SCDNR confirmed that the Alumacraft had its navigation lights fully functioning at the time of the incident. Officers noted that they were preparing to stop the Yamaha boat due to its lack of proper navigation lights when the collision occurred. They were not pursuing the Yamaha before the crash took place.

Officers quickly intervened to prevent the operator of the Yamaha from leaving the scene of the accident. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with SCDNR employing FARO three-dimensional scanning technology to gather detailed measurements of the crash site and conducting interviews with witnesses.

A victim advocate has been assigned to support the families affected by this tragedy. The Laurens County Coroner’s Office is collaborating with SCDNR as part of their investigation into the fatalities.

This incident highlights the significant dangers of combining alcohol with boating activities. The SCDNR has reiterated the importance of designating a sober skipper to ensure the safety of all individuals on the water and reduce the risk of such devastating accidents.

As the investigation continues, updates will be provided as more information becomes available regarding the incident and its repercussions for the families involved, as well as any further legal actions against the operator of the Yamaha boat.