Clemson Student Drowns In Pickens County Lake

Rescue workers recovered the body of a Clemson University student from an Upstate lake Sunday afternoon. Pickens County Coroner Kandy Kelly identified the student as 21-year-old Donovan Jones of Sumter. The drowning occurred on Issaqueena Lake in Pickens County. Jones’ body was recovered about 3:45p.m. after a search of about four hours.

The Pickens County Emergency Management Director tells News Channel 7 that a group was swimming in the lake when Jones went under the water, came back up gasping for air, then went back under, without coming back up. Rescuers knew shortly after arriving on the scene that it would be a recovery effort.

Officials don’t know why Jones drowned; an autopsy will take place Monday in Greenville. The death is being investigated by the Picken’s County Sheriff’s Office.

Click on the video tab to hear Jones’ former teacher tell News Channel 7’s Carmen Coursey how his loss will impact the University.