Sumter man drowns at Wateree Dam in Kershaw County, coroner says

Kershaw County Coroner’s Office has released the name of the individual from Sumter who drowned Sunday morning. 

Paul Edward Turner, 73, of Sumter, was identified as the victim, according to Coroner David West. 

Authorities responded to a call of drowning at about 11:07 a.m. on May 11 at the Tailrace behind Wateree Dam, which is about 40 miles from Sumter. 

When fire rescue arrived, Turner’s wife told those on scene that her husband’s fishing rod had fallen into the river and he went in to retrieve it but never resurfaced. 

Turner was located at about 2 p.m. that same day. 

An autopsy has been scheduled.