Two Drownings in Anderson County Over the Weekend

Two people died in separate incidents in Anderson County over the weekend. Darrell Hewett, 69, died after being thrown from his boat during a storm on Lake Hartwell on Saturday night. Hewett was trying to return to the boat dock when he got caught in a storm on the lake. The rough waters caused Hewett to be thrown from his boat after he stood up. Bystanders who were also attempting to get back to the dock due to the storm pulled him from the water. Hewett was not wearing a lifejacket and was pronounced dead at the scene. The Anderson County Coroner’s Office ruled it as an accidental drowning.

Josue Hernandez, an 18-month-old from Williamston, died on Saturday morning after he was found in the family pool. The Anderson County Coroner’s Office has confirmed that Hernandez died from freshwater drowning and there appears to be no indication of foul play. According to officials, Hernandez was able to get out of the house from a door that was unintentionally left open by a dog while family members were sleeping and enter an above-ground pool. The father found Hernandez in the pool and began giving CPR as first responders arrived. The Anderson County Child Death Investigation Task Force is investigating the incident.