May 19, 2025

Investigation Underway After Woman Found Dead in Hilton Head Surf

News Summary

An investigation is ongoing after a woman’s body was found in the surf on Hilton Head Island. The 50-year-old victim, discovered near Collier Beach Road, was wearing a wetsuit with a boogie board attached. Although initial findings suggest her death isn’t suspicious, an autopsy will determine the cause. Authorities are seeking public assistance and urging beach safety as summer approaches, reminding water sports enthusiasts to be aware of conditions and swim with a buddy.

Hilton Head Island: Investigation Underway After Woman Found Dead in Surf

An investigation is being conducted following the discovery of a woman’s body in the surf on Hilton Head Island early Sunday morning. The incident was reported at approximately 1:00 a.m. on May 18, and it has garnered attention due to the unusual circumstances surrounding the case.

Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of an unresponsive woman near Collier Beach Road. Upon arrival, they located a 50-year-old female victim, who was wearing a wetsuit and had a boogie board still attached to her ankle. She was pronounced dead at the scene, although officials have yet to release her name pending notification of her next of kin.

The Beaufort County Coroner’s Office is set to perform an autopsy to determine the cause of death. Initial findings from the investigation indicate that her death does not appear to be suspicious, but further examination will be crucial for obtaining clarity on this tragic incident.

Request for Information

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is actively seeking information from the public related to the incident. Authorities are asking anyone who may have details to come forward and contact them at 843-524-2777.

Context of Recent Events

The discovery of the woman’s body follows a worrisome trend, as there have been recent reports of two unconscious individuals found in the Charleston area, both of whom ultimately died. This series of incidents has raised alarm and prompted law enforcement agencies to be vigilant in their investigations.

At this time, the situation remains a developing story, and updates will be provided as new information is made available. Community members are encouraged to stay informed and participate in investigative efforts if they have pertinent information.

Public Safety Reminder

As summer approaches and water activities become more popular, authorities urge beachgoers to practice safety measures while engaging in water sports. The Sheriff’s Office emphasizes the importance of being aware of water conditions, swimming with a buddy, and only participating in activities suited for one’s skill levels.

More information will be released following the autopsy results and any developments in the investigation. The community remains hopeful for answers regarding the circumstances surrounding this tragedy.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Investigation Launched After Woman Found Dead in Hilton Head Surf
Investigation Underway Following Woman’s Death at Hilton Head Island
Investigation Launched After Woman Found Unresponsive at Hilton Head Island
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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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