Hunter found dead in lake after not returning home for several days

TOWNVILLE, S.C. (WHNS/Gray News) – Authorities in South Carolina are investigating after a man’s body was found in a lake.

The Oconee County Coroner’s Office said the body of 50-year-old Douglas John “DJ” Olin Edmond Jr. was recovered from Lake Hartwell around 5:40 p.m. Dec. 29.

He was found at a depth of 36 feet by divers with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources in a cove near the Timberlake One subdivision.

The coroner confirmed that following an autopsy Tuesday, Edmond died due to drowning.

Officials said they believe Edmond died on the morning of Dec. 20 when he was trying to cross a cove in a small boat to go deer hunting.

The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office said a deputy had been called to the boat ramp after they received a report from someone requesting help on Dec. 20. At the time, no one was found, but an older-model Ford truck was located in the parking lot.

On Dec. 23, officials said a deputy went back to the boat landing for a welfare check because the same truck was still in the parking lot. They then learned the truck belonged to Edmond.

On Dec. 28, deputies spoke with a family member and neighbors of Edmond who said it was not unusual for him to be gone for a few days. They said, however, that this time too much had passed for it to be considered normal. A missing-person investigator was also notified.

Edmond’s body was then found the next day.

Officials said they are continuing to investigate.