Beaufort, SC, September 4, 2025
News Summary
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is requesting help from the public to locate several missing individuals. Among those missing are William C. Rathert, Abel Santos Robles, Jennifer Hollowell Watkins, and 17-year-old Gabriella Brock. The sheriff’s office emphasizes the importance of community vigilance in ensuring these individuals’ safety and encourages anyone with information to come forward.
Beaufort, SC – The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance in locating several missing individuals, with the latest reports concerning four persons that have alarmed their families and friends. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward to help ensure the safety of these missing individuals.
William C. Rathert Missing
William C. Rathert, a 56-year-old resident of Beaufort, has been reported missing since September 3, 2025. His family expressed concern for his safety after he was last seen leaving his home on Woodhaven Drive, Hilton Head Island, at approximately 10:15 a.m. Rathert is described as 6 feet tall, weighing about 255 pounds, and was last seen wearing blue swimsuit trunks, a beige shirt, and blue shoes. Authorities are asking anyone with information on Rathert’s whereabouts to contact the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency dispatch line at 843-524-2777.
Abel Santos Robles Missing Since June
Abel Santos Robles, a 46-year-old man from St. Helena Island, has been missing since June 23, 2025. Family members reported that he was last seen wearing a plaid shirt, blue jeans, and work boots. At the time of his disappearance, Robles was believed to be driving a white 2004 Ford Excursion with South Carolina license plates. Anyone with details regarding Robles’s location or vehicle is encouraged to reach out to Lieutenant Malphrus at 843-255-3233 or the sheriff’s non-emergency dispatch line at 843-524-2777.
Jennifer Hollowell Watkins Reported Missing
The search continues for Jennifer Hollowell Watkins, a 45-year-old woman who was last seen in the early morning hours of June 27, 2025, on VOA Road in Washington. She was reported missing on June 29 at 10:30 a.m. Watkins is described as wearing a teal t-shirt, black leggings, and flip flops, and may have been carrying a green backpack. Authorities urge anyone with information about her to call the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office at (252) 946-7111 or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers.
Gabriella Brock Reported As Runaway
Gabriella Brock, a 17-year-old girl, is reported as a runaway since May 4. She left her home in Lady’s Island around 5 p.m., and her direction of travel and means of transportation remain unknown. Gabriella is described as being 5 feet tall, 98 pounds, with blonde hair and green eyes. She was last seen wearing black leggings, a large black shirt, and glasses. Anyone who may have information regarding Gabriella’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency dispatch line at 843-524-2777.
Recent Success in Locating Another Missing Person
In a recent and positive development, a 70-year-old elderly woman was located safe and unharmed following a mental health crisis. Authorities received a report about her disappearance from a golf course at The Landing at Pleasant Point. She was safely located the following Monday morning after being reported missing around 3 p.m. the previous Saturday. This incident highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to ensure the welfare of vulnerable individuals in the community.
Background Context
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office consistently works to ensure the safety and well-being of its residents, responding promptly to reports of missing persons. Communities are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any sightings or information that could assist in locating these individuals. The department emphasizes the importance of community involvement and support in such urgent situations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What should I do if I have information about a missing person?
If you have any information regarding a missing person, please contact the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency dispatch line at 843-524-2777 or the appropriate officer named in the missing person’s report.
How can I help if I see someone who might be missing?
If you see someone who you believe might be missing, approach them with caution and try to assess their situation. If you feel it is safe to do so, offer assistance and inquire if they need help. Otherwise, contact local law enforcement.
What resources are available for families of missing persons?
Families of missing persons can reach out to local law enforcement for support and guidance. Additionally, organizations that specialize in missing persons can provide resources, emotional support, and assistance in spreading awareness.
Summary of Key Information
| Missing Person | Last Seen Date | Description | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| William C. Rathert | September 3, 2025 | 6’0″, 255 lbs, blue swimsuit trunks | 843-524-2777 |
| Abel Santos Robles | June 23, 2025 | Plaid shirt, blue jeans, drives white Ford Excursion | 843-255-3233 |
| Jennifer Hollowell Watkins | June 27, 2025 | Teal t-shirt, black leggings, may have a green backpack | (252) 946-7111 |
| Gabriella Brock | May 4, 2025 | 5’0″, 98 lbs, blonde hair, last seen in black leggings | 843-524-2777 |
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Additional Resources
- WTOC: Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Needs Your Help Locating Missing St. Helena Island Man
- Island Packet: Missing Person Report
- Washington Daily News: Sheriff’s Office Seeks Help Locating Missing Person
- Live 5 News: Beaufort County Deputies Search for Missing Endangered Woman
- ABC News 4: Deputies Seek Help Finding Missing 17-Year-Old from Beaufort County
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.
