News Summary
A 22-year-old from Florence, Tallon Goff, died following a boating accident under the Highway 17 bridge in Charleston County. Goff struck his head on the bridge, leading to critical injuries. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources is investigating the incident as authorities urge boat safety awareness due to increased traffic during the holiday weekend. Goff, a senior at the University of South Carolina, was described as an enthusiastic outdoorsman, and his death has shocked his family and community.
Charleston County, SC – A 22-year-old man from Florence, Tallon Goff, was identified as the victim of a fatal boating accident that occurred under the Highway 17 bridge in Charleston County. The tragic incident took place on Tea Farm Creek, where Goff sustained critical injuries resulting from striking his head on the bridge as he was a passenger on the boat. He was pronounced dead shortly after 7:30 p.m. on July 3, 2025, according to the Charleston County Coroner’s Office.
The incident unfolded when Goff and a friend were operating a boat and passed beneath the low-clearance bridge. Moments later, Goff’s head made contact with the bridge structure, leading to life-threatening injuries. Authorities were alerted to the scene at approximately 9:40 p.m., but efforts to revive Goff were unsuccessful.
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) is currently conducting an investigation into the boating accident. Initial reports do not specify whether any criminal charges will be filed against the boat operator, as additional comments on this matter were not available prior to publication.
Tallon Goff
Goff was a senior at the University of South Carolina, where he was on the verge of graduating with a business degree in December. Friends described him as an enthusiastic outdoorsman with a deep passion for activities such as fishing and hunting. His untimely death has left his family and community in shock.
Increased Boating Traffic and Safety Concerns
The unfortunate boating fatality comes at a time when state and county agencies had ramped up waterway patrols due to the anticipated increase in boating traffic during the July 4th holiday weekend. Authorities had previously expressed concerns about safety on the water, urging all boaters and passengers to adhere to safety regulations and remain vigilant while operating their vessels.
This incident serves as a grim reminder of the potential dangers associated with boating, particularly in areas with low-clearance obstacles. Boating safety experts encourage individuals to wear life jackets and maintain awareness of their surroundings to prevent tragic accidents like this one.
Conclusion
The boating accident that took the life of Tallon Goff has raised significant concern within the community about water safety and the responsibilities of boat operators. As the investigation by the SCDNR proceeds, further information may clarify the circumstances surrounding the accident, and potential consequences for the operator of the boat may arise based on findings.
Goff’s death is not only a personal tragedy for his family and friends but also highlights the broader need for safety awareness in recreational boating activities, especially during busy holiday periods.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tragic Boating Accident Claims Life of Young Man in South Carolina
Charleston County Coroner Identifies Victim of Boating Accident
Additional Resources
- Live 5 News
- Wikipedia: Boating Safety
- Post and Courier
- Google Search: Charleston boating accident
- ABC News 4
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Boating
- Count On 2 News
- Google News: Boating Safety Charleston
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
