Donaven Dempsey dies in fatal Congaree River incident near Columbia

Donaven Dempsey dies in fatal Congaree River incident near Columbia

Fatal Congaree River incident near Columbia death of Donaven Dempsey – Obituary

Donaven Dempsey, an 18-year-old University of South Carolina student from Spartanburg, was found dead in the Congaree River on Sunday, ending a multi-week search for the missing teen. His body was recovered near the eastern end of Congaree National Park, where the river marks the boundary between Richland and Calhoun counties.

Dempsey had last been seen on May 8, when he left his hometown of Spartanburg and returned to Columbia. After losing contact with family and friends, the Columbia Police Department officially reported him missing on May 10 and issued a renewed public plea for help on May 22.

Richland County Coroner Naida Rutherford confirmed his identity and reported the discovery on Tuesday, May 28. The coroner has not yet determined Dempsey’s cause or manner of death.

Authorities stated that foul play is not suspected. The Columbia Police Department’s Special Victim’s Unit has closed its investigation, though specific findings have not been shared with the public.

Multiple agencies, including the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, Columbia Fire Department, and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, participated in the search and recovery operation.