July 6, 2025

Two Men Die in Separate Drowning Incidents at Hunting Island State Park

News Summary

Two separate drowning incidents at Hunting Island State Park resulted in the tragic deaths of Steven Thackston, 65, and Paul Peters, 38. Thackston drowned on July 1, while Peters succumbed to a rip current while attempting to rescue his children. Local officials are raising awareness about the dangers of swimming in the area, especially with strong currents. A red flag indicating high hazard conditions was flying during Peters’ incident, stressing the importance of safety for beachgoers.

Beaufort County, S.C. – Two Men Die in Separate Drowning Incidents at Hunting Island State Park

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has identified two men who drowned in separate incidents at Hunting Island State Park, highlighting ongoing safety concerns for swimmers along the coast. The first victim, Steven Thackston, 65, from Decatur, Georgia, died on July 1 at approximately 4:45 p.m. Just days later, Paul Peters, a 38-year-old man from Indian Trail, North Carolina, drowned on July 4 at around 12:10 p.m.

Both incidents occurred within a short timeframe, raising alarms about the potential dangers associated with ocean swimming in the area. County officials are urging beachgoers to exercise caution, particularly given the presence of strong currents that can pose significant risks.

Details of Each Incident

In the most recent drowning case, Paul Peters was trying to rescue his children, Asher, aged four, and Ezra, aged seven, who were caught in a rip current on July 4 between 11:35 and 11:40 a.m. Witnesses reported that bystanders were able to pull the children from the water; however, they struggled to bring Peters back to shore. Emergency responders arrived quickly and attempted to perform CPR on Peters, but he did not regain consciousness and was pronounced dead at the scene.

On July 1, Steven Thackston drowned while swimming at the park. The specifics of his incident remain less detailed but underline similar safety concerns for swimmers at the state park.

Warnings and Safety Recommendations

Following these tragic incidents, local officials emphasize the importance of swimming responsibly. A red flag was flying at Hunting Island’s North Beach on July 4, indicating High Hazard conditions. This warning is critical for swimmers as it signifies dangerous surf and strong currents. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is concurrently investigating both drowning incidents to gather more information.

Officials recommend that swimmers remain vigilant and adhere to safety guidelines when enjoying the ocean. This includes monitoring local weather and ocean conditions, understanding swimming ability, and never swimming alone. Parents are especially urged to keep a close eye on their children while in or near the water.

Related Drowning Incident

The string of fatalities is exacerbated by a previous drowning incident on June 30, where William King, a 69-year-old man also from Georgia, drowned at Coligny Beach on Hilton Head Island. This incident occurred around 7:00 p.m. and adds a further layer of concern regarding water safety in the region.

Community Response and Awareness

As the community mourns the loss of these individuals, the incidents serve as a sobering reminder of the inherent risks of ocean swimming, particularly during the summer months when many families flock to the beaches. Awareness efforts regarding safe swimming practices are paramount to prevent future tragedies.

Officials continue to stress the necessity of promoting water safety among beachgoers as the investigation into these incidents unfolds. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office aims to distribute educational materials and increase awareness about the potential dangers present in the ocean.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Beaufort County Sees Tragic Drowning Incident
Three Men Drown at Beaufort County Beaches Over Holiday Week
Tragic Drownings in Beaufort County Amid Rip Current Risks
Tragic Drownings Highlight Rip Current Dangers in Beaufort County
Tragic Drownings in South Carolina Beaches Prompt Safety Warnings
Tragic Drowning Incidents in Beaufort County
Beaufort Emphasizes Shark Safety Amid Summer Visitor Surge

Additional Resources

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.

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.

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