Crews recover Tom Hill from Chattooga River

At approximately 11:30am Friday, an Oconee County recovery crew successfully retrieved the body of Thomas Hill who fell from a raft on June 19.  U.S. Forest Service Public Information Officer Michelle Burnett  gives details, “We believe that high flows on the Chattooga Wild and Scenic river freed Mr. Hill’s body so that he could begin his journey home to his family. Since this effort began, our main objective has been to safely recover Mr. Hill. Every day, Mr. Hill’s family has been foremost in our minds and our hearts go out to Mr. Hill’s wife and his children. We hope that our efforts will finally bring some closure to the Hill family.” Friday marked the 17th day of operations. Thirty-six agencies and organizations have put in almost 6,000 hours to aid in the recovery effort. “We thank all of those involved, as well as the Long Creek community,” said Burnett. “Today wouldn’t be possible without them.”  South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Officer Ron Hedden has been in constant contact with Hill’s family and Sherwin-Williams since this tragedy took place. At the press conference on Friday, Hedden read the following statement from Sherwin-Williams: “We are very thankful to all the people involved in the search operation to bring Tom Hill home to his family in Tampa. Your hard work, the long hours away from your families, and your concern and prayers mean so much to Tom’s family and to our Sherwin-Williams’ family. You have our deepest respect and gratitude. Thank you. Our hearts go out to Tom’s family, his wife Linda and their four children. We know this is a very difficult time for them. We offer our condolences and prayers during their time of mourning. Thank you again for all your efforts.”