Body of missing 51-year-old located on Wateree River

SUMTER COUNTY, S.C.(WBTW) – On Monday rescue divers located the body of a 51-year-old resident of Sumter County who disappeared Sunday afternoon.

Oscar Joe Brunson was wading near his campsite on the Wateree River when he went under and did not resurface.  Friends camping with him called 911 and tried to dive in after him in vain.

Sumter County rescue crews resumed the search Monday around 8 a.m. and the man’s body was found around 3:30 p.m. in shallow water near the W.T. Tolar Public Boat Landing.

County Sheriff Anthony Dennis said it was not the first drowning he had seen in this location.

“We are glad we were able to bring closure to the family,” said Dennis. “But we certainly wish we could have had a better outcome.”