Tragic Incident at Lake Hartwell Fishing Tournament

News Summary

A fishing tournament at Lake Hartwell turned fatal when a boat carrying four participants sank, resulting in the tragic drowning of a 25-year-old woman from Aiken. Emergency responders acted promptly, but despite rescue efforts, Kimberely Gomillion was pronounced dead at the hospital. The incident highlights the potential dangers of outdoor activities like fishing. Investigations are currently underway to determine the cause of the accident, leaving the community in mourning over the loss.

Tragic Incident on Lake Hartwell: Aiken Woman Loses Life During Fishing Tournament

In a heartbreaking turn of events, a fishing tournament turned into a nightmare on Lake Hartwell this past Saturday. The calm waters and sunny skies quickly became the backdrop for a tragic accident as a boat carrying four participants sank, ultimately leading to the loss of one young life.

The Fishing Tournament Gone Wrong

On Saturday morning, excitement filled the air at Sadlers Creek State Park as anglers gathered for the annual Stripe Bass Challenge, a private striped bass fishing tournament that draws competitors from near and far. But what began as a day of fun and friendly competition suddenly turned serious when a boat began to take on water due to strong winds, leading to an urgent call for help.

As the boat struggled against the rising water, the group quickly realized they were in deep trouble. With minutes passing and water levels rising, the urgency of their situation became clearer. Fortunately, the tournament staff acted fast, alerting local authorities, including the Anderson County Emergency Management team, dive teams, EMS, and fire crews. First responders rallied to the scene, ready to assist when they arrived.

Rescue Efforts and Gathering Clouds

In a dramatic moment, a nearby tournament boat heard the cries for help and sprang into action. They plucked the four individuals from the freezing waters, bringing them to safety where first responders were waiting with medical treatment. Following the rescue, one of the group members, a 25-year-old woman from Aiken named Kimberely Gomillion, required immediate CPR. Sadly, her condition was critical.

Once on land, Gomillion was rushed to AnMed Hospital for urgent care. Despite numerous efforts to save her, she was later pronounced dead, reflecting the tragic reality that this fishing expedition would forever be marked by sorrow. All this occurred just minutes before noon, and the moment left many in shock.

The Aftermath

The Anderson County coroner confirmed that Gomillion’s cause of death was an accidental drowning, marking her passing as the first known fatality associated with fishing tournaments on Lake Hartwell. This unfortunate incident served as a grim reminder of the potential dangers that can accompany outdoor activities, even those that seem safe and enjoyable.

While Gomillion’s life was tragically lost, the three other individuals involved managed to survive. They were treated for their injuries at a local hospital and were fortunately released, but the emotional scars of Saturday’s events will likely stay with them for a long time.

Investigations Underway

Authorities are now investigating the circumstances that led to the sinking of the boat. Reports indicate that the boat began taking on water while approximately 300 feet from the shore, leading to the group being thrown into the cold lake water. Some estimates suggest they may have been submerged for around 10 to 20 minutes before being rescued.

One member of the group who was able to swim to shore offered hope during an otherwise dark moment. As the community grieves the loss of a young life, the investigation by the coroner’s office and the Department of Natural Resources continues, aiming to uncover what went wrong on that otherwise promising day.

A Community in Shock

The tragic loss of Kimberely Gomillion has left her friends, family, and the larger Aiken community devastated. As they mourn, it serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictability of nature and the importance of safety in outdoor recreation. Our hearts go out to those affected by this tragic incident, and we hope the investigations will yield answers that provide some comfort moving forward.