Popular Lake Hartwell Swimming Area Claims Life Of Local Woman

The Stephens County Sheriff’s Office, Stephens County EMS and Stephens County Search and Rescue, aided by Department of Natural Resources Rangers and the Oconee County South Carolina Dive team, responded Saturday to a report of a possible drowning near Jumping Rock on Lake Hartwell, located between Bruce Creek Boat Ramp and Holcomb Access. 

First responders searched the waters for the missing female using sonar as well as dive teams, and recovered the body of Chelsea Cole, 31. Cole, initially reported by witnesses on scene as living outside Georgia, was a resident of Toccoa. 

WNEG News spoke with Stephens County Sheriff Randy Shirley shortly after 8:30 p.m., when he described the search for the victim, saying that, at approximately 5:20 p.m. Saturday afternoon, Stephens County Dispatch notified the Sheriff’s Office and Stephens County Paramedics of a possible drowning in the southern end of Lake Hartwell near the Shorecrest Drive area of Martin.

Initial reports to law enforcement on scene indicated that a male and female companion were jumping off a large popular bank into the deep water of Lake Hartwell. After the female did not surface, her male companion immediately notified 911. Later information from those who were present indicate that the female was swimming from a boat to the rock in order to jump, but disappeared underwater before reaching the rock. 

The Stephens County Sheriff’s Office requested the assistance of  Stephens County Search and Rescue, and Rangers from the Department of Natural Resources. Once local rescue and Rangers arrived, they began searching the area using sonar.

Divers from Stephens County and Oconee County, South Carolina, dive teams also arrived and began a deep water search.

At approximately 8:20 p.m., the dive teams located the victim in about 20 feet of water not too far from the embankment.  

Shirley stated, “This was a tragic ending to what was to be a day of fun on the lake. The Stephens County Sheriff’s Office extends our deepest sympathies and sends our heartfelt prayers to the family.”

Identification was withheld until Sunday afternoon pending notification of family, and Sunday afternoon, Sept. 22, Stephens County Chief Deputy Coroner Lee Woody released Cole’s identity, stating  “Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends, as well as all the first responders that were there yesterday.”