Salem Drowning Victim identified

A 25-year-old Simpsonville man died Monday afternoon from drowning.  Oconee County Coroner Karl Addis identified him as Marquis Valentine. The Oconee County 911 system was notified at 5:20pm with a report of a drowning on Lake Keowee.  The incident occurred near Fall Creek Landing at a common swimming area known as “The Rock”.   The body was recovered by a rescue diver 36-minutes later in a depth of water estimated to be 10 feet. Valentine was with three friends and they were attempting to swim out to “The Rock” when he began to have difficulty swimming.  An attempt by a friend to rescue him was made however, he could not hold onto Valentine as he sank in the water.  No autopsy will be ordered.  In accordance with state law, specimens will be submitted to the SLED laboratory for toxicology analysis.  Valentine’s manner of death is classified as accidental.