Lexington County athlete’s death was an accident, coroner says
After a Pelion High School student drowned while swimming in a river Sunday, the Orangeburg County Coroner ruled his death an accident, according to a statement from the office.
Marcus Dwyer, 18, who was set to graduate in a few weeks, died in the Edisto River while swimming with friends.
Deputies were called to the river Sunday afternoon. A female witness told them Dwyer jumped from a bridge into the water at the encouragement of other friends.
After jumping, Dwyer began to swim toward his friends, but began struggling. At one point, he went under water and did not come back up.
His body was located about three hours later in the area where he was last seen.
Dwyer played football, basketball and ran track at Pelion High.
Emily Bohatch
The State