Sumter man drowns in Darlington County
A 74-year-old Sumter man drowned near Mechanicsville on Sept. 28, Darlington County Coroner Todd Hardee said. Thomas Earl Benenhaley drowned in Lauthers Lake about 7 a.m., according to Hardee. He has ruled the death an accident. Hardee said Benenhaley and his grandson had come to Darlington County for a day of fishing. Just after daybreak, he said, they launched their boat from Whipple Landing. A short time later, Hardee said, Benenhaley lost his balance and fell into the water. His grandson, an Iraq War veteran, went in after him, Hardee said, and was able to pull him to shore. But he could not be resuscitated.