News Summary
A tragic boating accident near Hilton Head Island resulted in the deaths of two individuals and sent two others to the hospital. The incident involved a collision with a day marker in Skull Creek, leading to an ongoing investigation by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Those affected include Patsy and James Montgomery, who sadly lost their lives, as well as their two injured companions. The community is mourning their loss as officials emphasize the importance of boating safety.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina – A tragic boating accident near Hilton Head Island resulted in the deaths of two individuals and sent two others to the hospital on Friday, June 27, 2025. The incident occurred at approximately 10 p.m. in the Skull Creek area.
Emergency crews responded to reports of a boat crash around 9:45 p.m., discovering four individuals aboard the vessel involved in the accident. The two deceased individuals have been identified as Patsy Montgomery, 73, and her husband James Montgomery, 76, both residents of Bluffton, SC. The Beaufort County Coroner’s Office has confirmed their identities, although the cause of death is still pending autopsy results.
The two injured individuals were promptly transported to a local hospital for medical treatment. Their current condition is not publicly available. Preliminary findings from the investigation, led by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), indicate that the boat collided with a day marker in the Intracoastal Waterway.
During the rescue operation, multiple response teams, including divers, were deployed to search the surrounding waters. In a somber discovery, the search revealed two dogs inside the overturned boat, which sadly did not survive the incident. The vessel’s operator, one of the Montgomerys, was among those who died in the tragic event.
As of now, authorities have stated that no criminal charges are pending in connection with the incident. The investigation into the accident is ongoing, with officials committed to determining the exact cause of the crash. Local officials and the wider community have expressed their condolences, emphasizing the profound sense of loss felt by those affected.
Mayor Alan Perry of Hilton Head Island took to social media to express his sorrow over the tragedy, stating feelings of helplessness in light of the heartbreaking event. He extended thoughts and prayers to the families impacted by this unfortunate accident.
This incident serves as a reminder of the dangers associated with boating and the importance of safety measures on the water. The Skull Creek area, a popular spot for boaters, has seen its share of incidents, and the community continues to advocate for responsible boating practices to prevent future tragedies.
As the SCDNR continues its investigation, additional information may emerge that could provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding the accident. The local community is in mourning as they remember the lives lost and the impact of this heartbreaking event on the families and friends of those involved.
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Additional Resources
- Fox News: Beach Accident near Hilton Head
- Wikipedia: Hilton Head Island
- People: Couple Dies in Boat Accident
- Google Search: Hilton Head boating accident
- WTOC: Hilton Head Boat Accident Victims
- Google Scholar: Boating Safety Measures
- Island Packet: Hilton Head Boat Crash
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Boating Accidents
- WYFF: Two Dead in Hilton Head Boat Accident
- Google News: Hilton Head Island Boat Accident
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER 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.
