News Summary
A tragic boat crash in the Skull Creek area resulted in the deaths of a Bluffton couple, Patsy and James Montgomery. The accident occurred late at night, with emergency responders finding two additional injured individuals aboard the vessel. Investigators are looking into the incident, with preliminary findings suggesting the boat struck a day marker. The community mourns the loss of the well-known couple while safety measures are emphasized for local boating activities.
Hilton Head Island – A tragic boat crash occurred in the Skull Creek area on June 27, 2025, claiming the lives of a Bluffton couple. Patsy Montgomery, 73, and her husband, James Montgomery, 76, were pronounced dead at the scene following the collision, which happened around 9:45 p.m.
Emergency personnel, including the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), and the U.S. Coast Guard, quickly responded to the accident. On arrival, they found four individuals on board the vessel involved. Two occupants sustained injuries and were transported to a local hospital for medical treatment.
The unfortunate couple’s bodies were recovered by SCDNR divers, with Beaufort County Chief Deputy Coroner Shane Bowers confirming their deaths at the scene. The cause of death is currently pending autopsy results, and investigators are working to gather more information regarding the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash.
Preliminary findings indicate that the vessel struck a day marker that marks the Intracoastal Waterway. No criminal charges are pending against any involved parties as the SCDNR continues to investigate the incident. The boat crash took place just north of Skull Creek Marina, a popular area for boating and water activities.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are expected to release additional information regarding the accident, helping to clarify the events leading up to this tragic incident.
The situation highlights not only the risks associated with boating in the waters off Hilton Head Island but also the ongoing efforts by local authorities to ensure safety on the waterways. The SCDNR, alongside law enforcement agencies, aims to assess the factors contributing to such unfortunate events in the region.
Individuals engaging in boating activities are reminded of the importance of safety measures, including adhering to navigational markers and observing traffic rules on the water, to avoid potential accidents and ensure a safe experience for all.
As investigations proceed, community members remain in shock over the loss of the Montgomerys, who were well-known and beloved in their community. Local officials and residents have expressed their condolences to the family and friends affected by this unfortunate incident.
Further updates are anticipated as authorities work diligently to conclude their investigation and provide clarity on this heartbreaking event.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tragic Boating Accident Claims Lives in Skull Creek
Tragic Boating Accident Claims Lives of Bluffton Couple
Tragic Boat Crash Claims Two Lives on Hilton Head Island
Tragic Boating Accident in Hilton Head Island Claims Lives
Fatal Boating Accident on Hilton Head Island
Severe Thunderstorm Warning in Cherokee and Spartanburg Counties
Beaufort County Boating Accident Claims Two Lives
Tragic Boating Accident Claims Lives in Beaufort County
Boating Accident Claims Lives Near Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island Thundered by Tragic Boating Accident
Additional Resources
- Island Packet
- WYFF
- Google Search: Hilton Head boating accident
- WJCL
- Encyclopedia Britannica: boating safety
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
