Body of missing kayaker on Lake Hartwell found after Saturday storm

ANDERSON COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) – The Anderson County Sheriff’s Office has found the body of the kayaker who went missing Saturday afternoon on Lake Hartwell.

Deputies said two people were kayaking on the lake when a round of severe storms crossed the area. One person was able to swim to shore.

Crews including the Anderson County Technical Rescue, the Pickens County Technical Rescue,  the Department of Natural Resources, the Craytonville Fire Department and the Williford Fire Department searched for the man before he was found Sunday.

The victim was identified as 19-year-old Joshua Edwards, of Anderson. Edwards died as a result of freshwater drowning and his death has been ruled an accident, according to the Anderson County Coroner’s Office.

The coroner said the kayakers were attempting to return to shore, when Edwards apparently fell off his kayak and was not seen again.

Edwards was reportedly not wearing a floatation device and was located in 11 feet of water and approximately 20 yards from the shoreline.

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