Identity released in Lake Keowee Death

The identity of the victim of an apparent drowning on Lake Keowee Thursday night has been released. Oconee County Coroner Karl Addis announces that 71-year-old Thomas Larry Payne of Seneca died in incident. At approximately 9:30pm Thursday night, Oconee 911 Communications received a call reporting a possible drowning on Lake Keowee near Treehaven Court in Seneca. Addis reports that Payne and his wife were returning to their dock after a boat ride. As Payne was exiting the boat onto the dock, he fell into the lake. He was recovered a short time later by first responders that were in proximity of the dock. Emergency medical services provided life support with transport to the emergency department at Oconee Memorial Hospital. Despite medical treatment, Payne was pronounced dead at 10:55pm. Addis says that an autopsy will be performed Sunday to assist with determining the cause of death.