A South Carolina deputy is killed during boat training exercise

On Behalf of | Jun 9, 2017 | Firm News, workers' compensation

A 30-year-old Anderson county sheriff’s deputy died after being struck by a boat propeller in the early morning hours of Thursday, June 1, 2017. A captain with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR), said that the man had been participating in a training drill on Lake Hartwell at the Singing Pines Campground in the of Starr, South Carolina at the time.

Anderson County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Army Corps of Engineers representatives were participating in a joint exercise along the waterway when three individuals were ejected from the boat they had originally been riding in. For some unknown reason, the boat’s operator circled back around upon realizing what occurred, striking the deputy in the process.

The officer was transported from the accident scene to AnMed Health Medical Center in critical condition. He succumbed to his injuries there at 10:37 a.m.

It’s unclear as to who was at the helm of the boat at the time it struck the man. It’s also unclear what government agency they represented.

The DNR is responsible for investigating this accident giving that it occurred on the water. Two of their investigators have been sent to speak with Anderson County officials to gain additional insight as to how this tragic accident happened.

As unfortunate as it may be, law enforcement is one of those industries in which workplace accidents, resulting in either permanent injury or death, are not all that uncommon. If you or someone you know has been injured while working, they may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages and other expenses. In speaking with a Georgetown workers’ compensation attorney, they can learn more about their rights to file a claim.

Source: The State, “SC deputy dies in boating accident during training,” Nikie Mayo, June 01, 2017