The Fort Mill, South Carolina, community is mourning the loss of Eric Tipton, who died after being found unresponsive in Lake Wylie late Saturday night. He was 48 years old.
According to the York County Coroner’s Office, Tipton was pronounced dead early Sunday after being discovered in the water near a sandbar close to Bowater Park on the Rock Hill side of Lake Wylie. The incident marks the third water-related death in York County this summer.
The York County Sheriff’s Office said other boaters found Tipton unresponsive in the water at approximately 11:30 p.m. Saturday in the Little Allison Creek area. Civilians immediately began life-saving efforts before emergency medical personnel and sheriff’s deputies arrived at the scene.
The York County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team searched the area on Sunday as part of the ongoing investigation. Authorities have not yet determined the official cause or manner of Tipton’s death.
The York County Coroner’s Office confirmed that an autopsy and toxicology testing will be conducted to help determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Tipton’s death follows two other fatal water incidents at Lake Wylie earlier this year. On May 28, a 16-year-old boy from Charlotte died after jumping from a boat near Little Allison Creek. Earlier, on May 19, the body of a 25-year-old Charlotte man was recovered after he disappeared while swimming following a jump from a boat.
As investigators continue examining the circumstances surrounding Eric Tipton’s death, authorities have not released additional details regarding what led to the incident.
Family, friends, and members of the Fort Mill community are mourning his passing and remembering his life during this difficult time. Condolences continue to pour in as loved ones await further information.
Funeral arrangements and memorial service details have not yet been publicly announced by Tipton’s family. Those wishing to honor his memory are encouraged to keep his loved ones in their thoughts and respect the family’s privacy as they grieve.