Lake Keowee death — an accident, says the coroner
Coroner Addis of Oconee has updated the report of his investigation as to what happened yesterday on Lake Keowee:
“A 38-year-old Greenville man died Monday afternoon (July 4th) in the emergency department at Oconee Memorial Hospital from drowning.
Michael Criswell, 38, was with friends at Stamp Creek Landing on Lake Keowee Monday afternoon. They were wading in the lake when another individual reportedly became distressed in the lake; Mr. Criswell, who reportedly could not swim, assisted this person to safety; Mr. Criswell reportedly possibly stepped off into deeper water and began to struggle before going underwater.
At approximately 5:25 pm, a 911 call was received reporting a possible drowning.
Mr. Criswell was recovered from the lake by bystanders in a depth of water estimated at 8 feet. CPR was initiated and EMS would provide transport to the emergency room where he was pronounced dead at 6:35 pm.
His manner of death is accidental.”