Water-related death at Lake Keowee

A 68-year old North Carolina man was pronounced dead at the hospital after he was found floating face down and unresponsive in Lake Keowee.  He was Asheville resident Leon Cameron Pace.  Coroner Karl Addis says a bystander pulled Pace from the water, and it’s estimated he was found 30 feet from the shoreline in waist deep water. A pet dog of Pace was nearby; a beach chair along with a beach type bag with personal effects was found along the shoreline. It appeared Pace may have been sitting along the shoreline reading a book, and according to Addis the state of dress (shorts) suggests he may have waded into the lake to cool off.  Pace stayed at an RV park located near 350 Stamp Creek Landing, Seneca.  An autopsy will be scheduled to assist with determining the cause and manner of death.  His death remains under investigation by the coroner, the sheriff’s office and SC DNR.