Hipps’ parents release statement

On the one-year anniversary of their son’s death, Cynthia and Gary Hipps released a statement in which they request anyone with relevant information to step forward.  Here is their statement, as released by their attorney, “Late in the afternoon of September 22, 2014, our family received a phone call that would forever change our lives.  Our only son, Tucker, had been found dead in the waters of Lake Hartwell, having mysteriously fallen from the bridge during a mandatory pledge run at 5:30 that morning.  We have spent the last year reeling, trying to understand that which can never be understood.  Questions remain unanswered, yet there is still great hope that the truth will be revealed.  The community has reached its arms out to embrace us and for that, we are most grateful.  We would like to thank the people of this community for their unwavering support over the last year and for cherishing Tucker’s memory.  On this most difficult day, we humbly ask that anyone who knows anything about the circumstances of September 22, 2014, or Tucker’s death, to please contact law enforcement.  In our hearts we believe that there are people in this community who either saw the boys running or on the bridge, or learned something later which may help law enforcement.  Any information is helpful, and it is never too late to aid in the investigation.  Please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC or text your tip to 274637.  Crime Stoppers of Oconee County is offering a reward of more than $20,000 for information which leads law enforcement to solving the ongoing investigation surrounding Tucker’s death.”