Midlands high school student died during boating accident, coroner confirms.

A 15-year-old student from Camden High School has died following a boating accident Friday night, authorities said.

The teenager was out on a boat fishing with friends on the Wateree River when he was clipped by another boat, according to Kershaw County Coroner David West.

The boats were going around the water when the other craft turned into the teen’s boat and struck him, West said. The boats were known to each other and West said that it wasn’t believed “horseplay” was involved.

West said that the teen’s name at this time is not being released.

The teenager had been on the golf team at Camden High School.

“It’s devastating,” West said. “He was a fine kid.”

The Department of Natural Resources also confirmed the teenager’s death, but said they did not have any additional details. On Sunday, the agency issued a statement saying it was still investigating the incident, and asking anyone with information to contact the agency.

This is a breaking news story. Check back here for more details.

Reporter Lou Bezjak contributed to this report.

This story was originally published May 6, 2023 at 5:10 PM.

Ted Clifford

The State

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Ted Clifford is the statewide accountability reporter at The State Newspaper. Formerly the crime and courts reporter, he has covered the Murdaugh saga, state and federal court, as well as criminal justice and public safety in the Midlands and across South Carolina. He is the recipient of the 2023 award for best beat reporting by the South Carolina Press Association.