Laurens County, South Carolina – On July 6, 2025, at 1:42 a.m. on Lake Greenwood near Harris Landing, SCDNR officers and investigators responded to a tragic boating collision involving two vessels.

Preliminary findings indicate that an Alumacraft jon boat, carrying five individuals, was traveling on the water when it was struck from behind by a Yamaha boat with two occupants. Two passengers on board the Alumacraft were pronounced deceased at the scene. A female passenger was ejected into the water but was quickly rescued by responding officers and sustained no serious injuries. Another passenger from the Alumacraft was transported to the hospital and has since been released. The Alumacraft vessel had fully functioning navigation lights at the time of the incident.

We also want to address misinformation circulating regarding this incident. Contrary to false reports, our officers were not pursuing the Yamaha vessel at the time of the collision. Our officers were stationary on the water conducting proactive safety operations when they observed the Yamaha traveling without proper navigation lights. As officers prepared to initiate a vessel stop, the Yamaha collided with the Alumacraft. Blue lights had not been activated, and no pursuit had begun.

Our officers witnessed the collision and immediately rendered life-saving aid. They also took swift action to prevent the at-fault operator from fleeing the scene.

The operator of the Yamaha, 37 year-old Allen Sidney Benware Jr. III, was found to be under the influence following a field sobriety evaluation. He has been arrested and charged with two counts of felony Boating Under the Influence (BUI).

The investigation remains active and ongoing. The information we are providing reflects the most accurate details available at this time. Our Investigators are continuing to interview witnesses, reconstruct the timeline of events, and secure both vessels as evidence. They will be using FARO 3D scanning technology to capture precise measurements to develop a digital reconstruction.

Our investigators, along with our victim advocate, are providing support to the families affected by this devastating incident. The entire SCDNR family joins the community in offering our deepest condolences and prayers to those affected.

This tragic event serves as a stark reminder that alcohol and water are a deadly combination. We continue to urge the public: Always designate a sober skipper. Lives depend on it.