Drowning at Fall Creek Area in Salem

A 47-year-old Easley man was pronounced dead at 7:14pm Monday, Sept. 3, in the emergency department at Oconee Memorial Hospital after he jumped into Lake Keowee from his boat. Oconee County Coroner Karl Addis reports that Jody Levi Black jumped from his boat into Lake Keowee at approximately 5:35pm and never resurfaced. His body was recovered at approximately 6:10pm from a depth of water reported to be 28 feet. This incident occurred in a cove near Fall Creek Falls, which is in proximity of Fall Creek Landing near Salem. EMS provided advanced life support during transport to Oconee Memorial Hospital. Addis says that no autopsy will be performed, but that in accordance with state law, specimens will be sent to SLED for toxicology analysis. His manner of death is accidental drowning. In addition to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, other emergency units working the incident were Salem Fire and Rescue, Oconee County Dive Team, Oconee County EMS from Greenville Health System, Oconee County Sheriff’s Office, Oconee County Coroner’s Office and Oconee County Emergency Services.