Summer lake tragedy as college sweethearts are killed in horror boat crash
Thomas Chandler Davis and Abby Katherine Davis, both age 23, were on a small Alumacraft speedboat on Lake Greenwood when the crash happened early Sunday morning, WYFF reported.
At around 1:42am, officers with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) were on the lake and saw a Yamaha boat without proper navigation lights approaching the Alumacraft.
Before they were able to intervene, it collided with the Alumacraft from behind, killing Thomas and Abby.
The recent graduates of Clemson University died from blunt force trauma, according to Laurens County Coroner Patti Canupp.
There were a total of five people on the boat that was hit. One of them was ejected into the water and quickly rescued, while another was taken to the hospital before being released.
Allen Sidney Benware Jr. III, the man accused of negligently driving the Yamaha boat, was arrested at the scene and charged with two felony counts of boating under the influence leading to death.
Benware was on board with one other passenger who hasn't been identified by authorities and hasn't been charged with a crime.
'This tragic event serves as a stark reminder that alcohol and water are a deadly combination,' a SCDNR spokesperson said. 'We continue to urge the public: always designate a sober skipper. Lives depend on it.'
SCDNR noted that the Alumacraft did have proper navigation lights on at the time of the crash.
Benware was booked at the Laurens County Jail and was denied bond on Monday.
If convicted, he will spend a minimum of one year in prison per count of boating under the influence. He also faces a minimum fine of $10,000 per count.
The obituary for Thomas said he earned a degree in civil engineering from Clemson, a public university about an hour-and-a-half from Lake Greenwood where he died.
It further described him as a 'fitness enthusiast' who 'enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and boating on the lake.'
Abby's obituary revealed she got a degree in graphic communications and was currently freelancing in social media marketing.
'Her love for music and concerts was infectious. Abby's adventurous spirit led her to travel, always eager to explore new places and cultures, often accompanied by her cherished friends,' it continued.
'Known for her easy-going nature and warm personality, Abby never met a stranger.'
Clemson University released the following statement after confirming Thomas and Abby were graduates.
'We are saddened to hear the news of these alumni who lost their lives far too soon. Our hearts go out to the families, friends and loved ones impacted by this tragedy.'
According to the US Coast Guard, alcohol is the number one cause of boating accidents.
Last year, 92 people died nationwide from alcohol related boat crashes. That represented 20 percent of the total fatalities in 2024.
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