News Summary
The Laurens County Coroner’s Office has confirmed the identity of an 81-year-old man, Tommy Montjoy, who drowned at Lake Greenwood on July 4. This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with water activities during holiday celebrations. Montjoy succumbed to his injuries despite being transported to Laurens County Hospital. The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to gather more details about the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate incident.
Laurens County
The Laurens County Coroner’s Office has confirmed that an 81-year-old man who drowned at Lake Greenwood on July 4 has been identified as Tommy Montjoy, a resident of Laurens. The tragic incident highlights the ongoing risks associated with water activities during holiday celebrations.
The fatal drowning occurred at Lake Greenwood in Waterloo, South Carolina. Authorities responded to the scene following reports of the incident, with Montjoy subsequently being transported to Laurens County Hospital. Tragically, he could not be saved, as he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital shortly after arrival. An autopsy was performed, and the cause of death was determined to be freshwater drowning.
As the investigation continues, the Laurens County Coroner’s Office is working diligently to gather more details surrounding the circumstances of Montjoy’s drowning. Chief Deputy Coroner Ashley Rushton is part of the team managing the response and subsequent investigation into this unfortunate event. At this time, no further details about the incident have been released to the public.
Background on Lake Greenwood
Lake Greenwood is a popular recreational area in South Carolina, known for its fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities. Every year, thousands of residents and visitors flock to the lake, especially during the summer holidays, to enjoy various outdoor activities. However, with increased activity comes heightened responsibility and awareness of safety practices to prevent tragedies such as drownings.
This incident underscores the importance of vigilance and safety measures when engaging in water activities. Drowning can occur quickly and quietly, making education about water safety critically important for all boaters and swimmers. Local authorities often recommend wearing life vests, maintaining close supervision of those in the water, particularly children and elderly individuals, and adhering to safety guidelines in recreational areas.
Ongoing Investigation
The death of Tommy Montjoy adds to the already solemn tone of the holiday weekend. Investigators from the Laurens County Coroner’s Office are expected to look into various factors surrounding this incident, including the activities Montjoy was engaged in and the conditions of the lake at the time of the drowning. Although more details have yet to be released, the community will likely be keenly interested in the findings of the ongoing investigation.
As reports of the incident circulate, it serves as a somber reminder of the potential dangers associated with recreational water activities. Authorities encourage anyone planning to spend time at Lake Greenwood or similar locations to prioritize safety and to be aware of their surroundings. The hope is that this tragic incident will prompt conversations around water safety and further education to help prevent future accidents.
The Laurens County community mourns the loss of Tommy Montjoy, and as the investigation unfolds, additional updates will hopefully provide clarity and understanding regarding the circumstances of this heartbreaking event.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tragic Incident at Lake Hartwell Fishing Tournament
Additional Resources
- WYFF 4
- Wikipedia: Drowning
- WSPA
- Google Search: Lake Greenwood
- Audacy
- Google Scholar: drowning safety
- GoLaurens
- Encyclopedia Britannica: drowning
- Record Online
- Google News: Lake Greenwood drowning
Author: HERE Greenwood
The GREENWOOD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGreenwood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Greenwood, Greenwood County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Flowers, Greenwood Community Theatre performances, and agricultural showcases at the Greenwood County Fairgrounds. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Greenwood United Ministry, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as FujiFilm Manufacturing and Self Regional Healthcare. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
