July 6, 2025

Beaufort County Sees Tragic Drowning Incident

News Summary

On July 4, a tragic drowning occurred at Hunting Island State Park, resulting in the death of 38-year-old Paul Peters, who was vacationing with his family. Caught in a rip current while swimming with his children, he attempted to save his son but ultimately drowned. Bystanders were able to rescue the children, but efforts to save Peters were unsuccessful despite CPR efforts. This incident follows another drowning at the same location just days prior, prompting concerns about water safety.

Beaufort County Sees Tragic Drowning Incident

On Friday, July 4, a tragic incident unfolded at Hunting Island State Park in Beaufort County, South Carolina, resulting in the drowning of 38-year-old Paul Peters from Indian Trail, North Carolina. The father was vacationing with his wife, Emily, and their two children, Asher, 4, and Ezra, 7, when the accident occurred.

The incident took place between 11:35 and 11:40 a.m. on Hunting Island’s North Beach, where Peters and his children found themselves caught in a rip current while swimming. In a desperate bid to save his youngest son, Asher, Peters held him above the water when he realized they were in trouble.

Fortunately, several bystanders entered the water and were able to rescue the children, bringing them to safety. However, the efforts to reach Peters took longer. He was eventually found unresponsive after being underwater for an extended period. Bystanders initiated CPR until Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrived and continued with life-saving measures.

EMS reported that they removed a significant amount of water from Peters’ lungs, but he never regained consciousness. The coroner pronounced him dead at the scene at 12:10 p.m.

Community Involvement in Rescue Efforts

Among those present at the beach was 16-year-old Taylor Durrance, who along with her family, assisted in the rescue efforts. Taylor noticed a strange atmosphere before realizing that something was amiss and saw people gathering around Peters on the beach.

Ezra, the first of the children rescued, initially seemed to have only swallowed some water. Asher was saved by Matthew Durrance, who brought him to Taylor, who then helped him expel the water from his lungs. Once Asher was safe, his first concern was for his father, asking “Where’s my dad?”

The atmosphere during the incident has been described by witnesses as “really sad” and surreal. In the meantime, Emily Peters was supported by Taylor as she focused on the rescue efforts and attended to her husband.

Background Information on Recent Drownings

This incident marks the second drowning at Hunting Island within a week. Just a few days prior, on July 1, 65-year-old Steven Thackston drowned at the same park. Additionally, on the same day, a 69-year-old man named William King drowned at Coligny Beach on Hilton Head Island.

Prior to the drownings, a red flag was posted on the beach, indicating High Hazard conditions. This flag signified that the surf was dangerous due to strong currents and high waves, making swimming unsafe for everyone except experienced swimmers. The recent tragic events have prompted officials to remind the public to exercise caution concerning rip currents and overall water safety.

The local community is mourning the loss of Paul Peters, a father who bravely attempted to protect his children in a perilous situation. As families continue to flock to the beaches during the summer season, authorities stress the importance of vigilance and awareness regarding the dangers posed by natural water conditions.