Man accused of killing two in boating crash while under the influence

LAURENS COUNTY, S.C. (WHNS/Gray News) - A man has been charged after a deadly boat crash early Sunday morning in South Carolina.

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources stated that its officers were patrolling Lake Greenwood around 2 a.m. on Sunday when they witnessed a Yamaha boat traveling without proper navigation lights. They were preparing to stop the boat when it crashed into an Alumacraft boat from behind.

Officials said the Alumacraft boat had fully functioning navigation lights.

Five people were on board the Alumacraft boat. Two people, identified as 23-year-old Thomas Chandler Davis and 23-year-old Abby Katherine Davis, died at the scene.

Officials said one passenger was ejected during the crash but was quickly rescued. Another passenger was taken to the hospital and later released.

Allen Sidney Benware Jr. III was charged with two counts of felony boating under the influence.

“This tragic event serves as a stark reminder that alcohol and water are a deadly combination,” a South Carolina DNR spokesperson said. “We continue to urge the public: always designate a sober skipper. Lives depend on it.”

Benware was booked into the Laurens County Detention Center.

Officials are still investigating the crash.