News Summary
Authorities are investigating the death of a 50-year-old woman discovered in the surf on Hilton Head Island. The victim, wearing a wetsuit and connected to a boogie board, was found unresponsive. Rescue efforts were unsuccessful. An autopsy is scheduled to determine the cause of death, but officials suggest the circumstances do not appear suspicious. The community is urged to provide any information related to the incident as deputies work to ensure safety in the area’s waters.
Hilton Head Island – Woman Found Dead in Surf; Investigation Underway
Beaufort County deputies are currently investigating the death of a 50-year-old woman discovered in the surf on Hilton Head Island early Sunday morning, May 18, 2025. The authorities received a report of an unresponsive individual in the water at approximately 1 a.m. on Collier Beach Road.
The victim was located wearing a wetsuit, with a boogie board still attached to her ankle. Rescue personnel arrived on the scene but were unable to revive her. She was pronounced dead by deputies at the site of the incident.
As the investigation progresses, the Beaufort County Coroner’s Office has yet to release the identity of the deceased woman. Notification of her next of kin is pending, which has delayed the public announcement of her name. An autopsy is scheduled to be performed to ascertain the official cause of death.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has indicated that the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death “do not appear to be suspicious” at this time. However, they are appealing to the public for assistance. Authorities are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident or possess relevant information to contact the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office directly at 843-524-2777.
Context of the Incident
This tragic discovery comes shortly after another concerning incident in the Charleston area, where two individuals were found unconscious in the water less than two weeks prior. Unfortunately, both individuals later succumbed to their injuries. The proximity of these recent incidents raises concerns regarding safety in the waters off the South Carolina coast.
In light of these events, Beaufort County deputies continue to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death. The authorities are committed to uncovering all pertinent details, including gathering witness accounts and examining any potential risks in the area.
Hilton Head Island is known for its beautiful beaches and recreational activities, including swimming, surfing, and other water sports, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The area’s coastal waters can be unpredictable and occasionally dangerous, with conditions that may change rapidly. These factors reinforce the necessity for caution when engaging in water-related activities.
As more details emerge, community members are being urged to stay informed and vigilant while participating in beach activities. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office aims to ensure the safety of all residents and visitors to the region as the investigation continues.
Authorities will release updates as they become available, and a full autopsy report may shed light on the situation in the coming days. The community is reminded to remain observant and report any related observations that might assist in this investigation.
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Additional Resources
- Live 5 News
- Wikipedia: Hilton Head Island
- WJCL
- Google Search: Hilton Head Island news
- Post and Courier
- Google Scholar: Hilton Head Island
- Island Packet
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hilton Head Island
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.
