News Summary
Hilton Head Island is experiencing a tragic start to the Fourth of July weekend with two drownings in Beaufort County. The incidents have raised safety concerns as severe thunderstorms are also forecasted. The first victim was a 69-year-old man at Coligny Beach, and the second, whose identity remains undisclosed, was found at Hunting Island State Park. The National Weather Service has issued severe thunderstorm warnings for the area, adding to the urgency for safety precautions this holiday weekend.
Hilton Head Island Suffers Drownings and Weather Alerts This Fourth of July Weekend
Hilton Head Island is facing a dark start to the Fourth of July weekend, with two unrelated drownings reported in Beaufort County. The occurrences have raised concerns for residents and visitors alike as severe thunderstorms are also anticipated in the region.
The first drowning incident involved 69-year-old William King, who tragically drowned at Coligny Beach on June 30. Emergency responders were dispatched to a medical emergency shortly before 6:30 p.m. Witnesses report that a bystander managed to bring King to shore, where a lifeguard attempted resuscitation efforts. Unfortunately, King was pronounced dead shortly after 7 p.m. The Beaufort County Coroner’s Office has confirmed his identity, and the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is conducting an ongoing investigation into the incident.
The second drowning occurred on July 1 at Hunting Island State Park, involving a 65-year-old man whose identity has not yet been disclosed. Just before 5:30 p.m., a fisherman discovered the man floating in the water and quickly brought him to shore. Attempts at CPR were made but were ultimately unsuccessful.
Adding to the woes of the holiday weekend, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued severe thunderstorm warnings for several areas, including Beaufort County. Thunderstorms are expected to arrive in the morning, with additional scattered thunderstorms likely in the afternoon. Today’s high temperature is predicted to reach 86°F, alongside south winds blowing at 5 to 10 mph. Rain chances stand at 70%, with a low temperature forecasted to be around 74°F.
The NWS has also warned residents about possible wind gusts up to 60 mph during thunderstorms, which could lead to potential damage to roofs, siding, and trees. A severe thunderstorm warning has already been issued for Allendale and Hampton counties until 10:45 p.m. Residents are advised to seek shelter and avoid windows to ensure safety during peak storm conditions.
Context of Recent Beach Incidents
Looking ahead, meteorologists expect thunderstorms and rain to continue throughout the week, potentially alleviating ongoing drought conditions in Beaufort County. Heavy rainfall is anticipated from Monday through Tuesday, which has led the NWS to issue warnings regarding high flood risks due to the projected accumulation. The weekend’s combination of tragic accidents and severe weather is a sobering reminder of the importance of safety precautions during summer festivities.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tragic Drownings Highlight Water Safety on Hilton Head Island
Tragic Drownings Prompt Water Safety Urgency in SC
Drowning Victim Identified on Hilton Head Island
New Jersey Woman Drowns in Hilton Head Island Incident
Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Hilton Head Island Suffers Drownings and Weather Alerts
- Wikipedia: Weather Warning
- Island Packet: Update on Local Weather Conditions
- Google Search: Thunderstorm Safety
- Island Packet: Severe Weather Alert for Beaufort County
- Google Scholar: Storm Safety
- Island Packet: Beach Safety Tips for Summer
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lightning
- Island Packet: Weather Forecast for the Weekend
- Google News: Safety Tips for Swimming
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.
