News Summary
A 22-year-old man, Tallon Goff, died after a boating accident in Ravenel, South Carolina. The incident occurred when Goff struck his head on a low-clearance bridge while on a boat. Investigations are ongoing as authorities emphasize the importance of waterway safety in light of the approaching holiday weekend. The local community mourns the loss of a promising student from the University of South Carolina.
Ravenel, South Carolina
The Charleston County Coroner’s Office has confirmed that 22-year-old Tallon Goff from Florence died on July 3, 2025, following a tragic boating accident. The incident occurred around 7:38 p.m. on Tea Farm Creek when Goff, a passenger on a boat, struck his head on a low-clearance bridge.
Authorities were alerted to the incident and arrived at the scene approximately one hour later, at 9:40 p.m. The bridge involved in the accident is the U.S. Highway 17 bridge, which is known for its limited clearance to the waterway.
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) is currently conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. Details regarding the factors that contributed to the boating mishap are still under review.
Victim Profile
Tallon Goff was in his senior year at the University of South Carolina, where he was on track to graduate with a business degree in December 2025. Described as an avid outdoorsman, Goff enjoyed activities such as fishing and hunting, which reflected his passion for nature and adventure.
Community Response and Safety Concerns
This unfortunate event has raised significant concerns about waterway safety among state and county agencies. In light of the approaching July 4th weekend, authorities are increasing patrols to ensure safer boating conditions and to promote awareness of the importance of exercising caution on the waterways.
As families and friends gather to celebrate the holiday, local officials are emphasizing the need for all boaters and passengers to remain vigilant and prioritize safety. This includes understanding the navigation challenges posed by low-clearance structures and following safety regulations while out on the water.
Background Context
Boating accidents can lead to tragic outcomes, often resulting from factors such as operator inexperience, environmental conditions, and physical structures like bridges. The SCDNR is committed to enhancing public safety by promoting education and awareness for all water users, especially during peak holiday seasons. Following this incident, experts emphasize the importance of precautionary measures and the necessity of acknowledging the risks associated with boating activities.
The investigation into Tallon Goff’s death is ongoing, and more information will likely be made available as authorities continue to piece together the events that led to this unfortunate accident.
As the community mourns the loss of a promising young man, the focus remains on improving safety and preventing further tragedies on South Carolina’s waterways.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Charleston County Coroner Identifies Victim of Boating Accident
Search for Missing Boater Suspended After Tragic Incident
Additional Resources
- Live 5 News
- Wikipedia: Boating Accident
- Post and Courier
- Google Search: Tallon Goff boating accident
- ABC News 4
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Boating Safety
- WTMA
- Google News: Charleston County boating accident
