Lake Keowee drowining

A 25-year old Simpsonville man drowned late yesterday afternoon in Lake Keowee near the Fall Creek Landing. Coroner Karl Addis says the victim’s name is being withheld until today to allow other immediate family members to be notified. According to the coroner, the drowning occurred at a common swimming area known as “The Rock.” The victim was among a group of four swimmers. Addis said the victim was with three friends. They were trying to swim to “The Rock” when the victim began to have difficulty swimming. An unsuccessful attempt was made by a male friend to rescue him. Scott Krein, director of Oconee Emergency Services, said the victim’s body was retrieved from water to 10 15 feet deep. The recovery of the body was accomplished by a diver from the Vineyard Fire Department of Pickens County, operating from a boat in the water.