Coroner identifies body found in Congaree River as missing USC student

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — According to the Richland-County Sheriff’s Department, a witness called dispatch at around 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 26, stating he saw what he believed to be a dead body in the Congaree River.

A body was confirmed to be located in the river by investigators.

An autopsy performed by the Richland County Coroner’s Office revealed that the victim was 18-year-old Donaven Dempsey, of Spartanburg.

Donaven Dempsey was reported missing earlier this month after leaving his hometown of Spartanburg and returning to Columbia.

“We will continue working with the Columbia Police Department, the Columbia Fire Department, and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources to fully investigate this incident,” Richland County Coroner Rutherford states.

Donaven Dempsey was reported missing earlier this month after leaving his hometown of Spartanburg and returning to Columbia, said CPD. (Photo: Columbia Police Department)

 

 

READ MORE: Search ends after missing USC student’s body found in river