Fairfield Co. Coroner’s Office identifies person found in Lake Monticello

FILE

FAIRFIELD COUNTY, S.C. (WOLO)– The Fairfield County Coroner’s Office has identified a person found in the water over the weekend, said officials.

On the morning of Saturday, January 17, 2026, Fairfield County Coroner’s Office along with Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office, SCDNR and Fairfield County Rescue Squad, responded to Lake Monticello in Blair, S.C. after a boater found a person in the water.

The coroner’s office staff confirmed that the individual was deceased and recovery efforts were performed.

Coroner Chris Hill said Robert Wright of Dave Cole Road in the Dawkins community of Blair was fishing on the bank of the lake and for an unknown reason went into the water.

There were no signs of foul play and that has been ruled out, according to the coroner’s office.

An autopsy has been scheduled with Newberry Pathology to determine the cause of death.

This incident remains an active investigation by the Fairfield County Coroner’s Office.