Community Mourns the Loss of Esteemed Publisher Jeff Evans

Beaufort, September 9, 2025

News Summary

The community of Beaufort is grieving the passing of Jeff Evans, a cherished publisher and advocate for the local arts. Evans, who co-owned The Island News and Lowcountry Weekly, died at the age of 66 after an unfortunate fall. His impactful contributions to local journalism, as well as his dedication to community events and non-profits, left an indelible mark. Loved by many, his absence will be deeply felt as the community comes together to celebrate his life and legacy.

Beaufort – The community of Beaufort is mourning the loss of Jeff Evans, a respected publisher and advocate for local arts and journalism, who passed away on Saturday, September 6, at the age of 66. His death occurred after a hospitalization due to injuries sustained from a fall at his Pigeon Point home on August 31. Evans’ passing has left a significant void in the community, which he passionately supported throughout his career.

The news of Evans’ death was confirmed by The Island News, a weekly newspaper he co-owned with his wife, Margaret. The couple was also responsible for publishing the Lowcountry Weekly, a well-established arts and entertainment publication, which they had launched 25 years ago.

Mike McCombs, editor of The Island News, described Evans’ passing as a tremendous loss, noting the devastation felt among the staff and the deep impact Evans had on local journalism. Known for his unwavering commitment to community reporting, Evans was heavily involved in various local initiatives, including the Beaufort International Film Festival and the annual Water Festival.

A celebration of Evans’ life is being organized, although specific details are still being finalized. The community continues to reflect on Evans’ contributions and the legacy he leaves behind.

Local leaders, including Mike McFee, a member of the Beaufort City Council and a longtime friend of Evans, expressed that his death feels “unfathomable.” Evans’ engagement with local citizens made him a well-known figure at various community events, where he worked tirelessly to promote cultural involvement and arts appreciation.

In addition to his journalistic endeavors, Evans supported numerous non-profits, particularly the Child Abuse Prevention Association. His diverse talents included videography, graphic design, photography, and acting, and he was notably involved with a Shakespearean theater group in both Beaufort and Bluffton.

The impact of Evans’ work extended beyond regional journalism; in 2023, he won a first-place award for the best general news photo at the South Carolina Press Association’s annual contest. Evans was also a member of the Press Association’s Executive Committee, highlighting his dedication to the field of journalism.

Debbi Covington, a local columnist, pointed out that Evans’ work was intrinsically linked to his life, emphasizing his connection to downtown Beaufort. His love for the community was mirrored in his social interactions, as he was known to be a fan of the San Francisco Giants and built lasting friendships throughout the area.

Ron Tucker, the executive director of the Beaufort Film Festival, praised Evans for his calm demeanor and role as a mentor to others in the community. He remarked on the absence Evans leaves behind, describing it as a “big hole” that will take time to heal.

As the community mourns, Evans’ legacy as a champion for local journalism and the arts will be cherished and remembered by those he inspired and engaged throughout his life.

FAQ

What caused Jeff Evans’ passing?

Jeff Evans passed away after being hospitalized due to injuries from a fall at his home.

How old was Jeff Evans when he died?

Jeff Evans was 66 years old at the time of his passing.

What publications did Jeff Evans co-own?

Jeff Evans co-owned The Island News and also published Lowcountry Weekly.

What community events was Jeff Evans involved in?

Evans was involved in various events, including the Beaufort International Film Festival and the annual Water Festival.

Was Jeff Evans recognized for his work in journalism?

Yes, he received a first-place award for best general news photo in the 2023 South Carolina Press Association annual contest.

Key Features

Feature	Description
Name	Jeff Evans
Age	66
Publications	The Island News, Lowcountry Weekly
Major Contributions	Local journalism, community events, non-profit support
Awards	First-place award for best general news photo in 2023
Community Involvement	Beaufort International Film Festival, Water Festival

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Jeff Evans, Local Publisher, Passes Away

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Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT

The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.