Laurens County Community Grieves as Body of Missing Tubing Woman is Recovered from Lake Greenwood

Laurens County Community Mourns as Missing Tubing Woman Found at Lake Greenwood

It’s been a somber start to June here in Laurens County, South Carolina, as the tragic saga of a missing woman from Lake Greenwood has reached its heartbreaking conclusion. The search that gripped the local community for more than a week culminated in the tragic discovery of 30-year-old Porsha Griffin‘s body.

Griffin, who went missing on May 25 while tubing with a friend, was finally found by the diligent efforts of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR). That sunny day on the water took a sudden and dark turn when the tube she was on flipped, causing Griffin and her friend to tumble into the lake. Regrettably, neither was wearing a life vest at the time—an important reminder for us all about water safety.

Her friend was rescued by a good-hearted bystander, yet Griffin vanished from view beneath the water’s surface. On Monday, the SCDNR announced they had recovered her body, easing the torment of those who held onto hope yet confirming their worst fears.

Long Days of Searching for Answers

Since May 25, authorities were out in full force patrolling Lake Greenwood from sunrise to sunset. Officers conducted intensive searches both on the surface and below using sonar technology, while experienced divers braved countless hours underwater, hoping to locate Griffin or shed any light on her whereabouts.

Mondays became milestones of support and assistance as the Spartanburg County Search and Rescue team, alongside North Carolina Aqua Marine Recovery, joined in these exhaustive efforts. The community as a whole rallied around these brave souls with unwavering support, highlighting how integral community spirit is during such challenging times.

Community Gratitude and Heartfelt Condolences

Gratitude abounds in Laurens County, as we acknowledge the tenacity and dedication of everyone involved in this search—from the officers on the scene to the empathetic neighbors who offered support and solace. We are reminded that community strength is indeed pivotal when navigating through hardship.

The SCDNR expressed their deep thanks, stating, “We extend our gratitude to all of the officers, investigators, and divers involved, as well as the supportive Greenwood community and everyone who offered additional help.” Their statement continued with a touching message to the bereaved, “Our heartfelt condolences remain with the victim’s family and loved ones.”

A Moving Reminder for Safety

As we reflect on this tragedy, let it serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of safety measures like wearing life vests when enjoying recreational water activities. In moments of leisure, it is easy to overlook these precautions, yet stories like Griffin’s underscore their lifesaving potential.

Porsha Griffin may now be at rest, but the impact of her story continues to resonate. We as a community hold her and her loved ones in our thoughts, hoping for peace and healing in the days to come.

Let this moment also be one in which we renew our own dedication to helping, supporting, and watching out for each other—whether on water or land—so we can prevent future heartbreaks. Stay safe, Laurens County, and reach out to neighbors when they need it most.