The Lexington County Coroner’s Office revealed the identity of a diver who died while diving in Lake Murray Dec. 28.

According to a Facebook post from the office, Paul Lloyd Lunsford, 54 of Chapin, was recovered by the state Department of Natural Resources at about 10:30 a.m. Jan. 1 after he went missing four days earlier.

“Mr. Lunsford entered the water near the Lake Murray Towers while on a diving excursion at about 1 p.m. and he did not resurface prompting a search to begin shortly after,” the office posted, adding that an autopsy was scheduled for Jan. 4 at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. Autopsy results were not available as of the Chronicle’s Jan. 3 print deadline. 

DNR and the coroner’s office continue to investigate the incident.

Swansea man pardoned by Biden

A Swansea man was among those given a full pardon by President Joe Biden Dec. 30.

77-year-old Charlie Byrnes Jackson was among the six people given clemency by the president before the end of last year, according to a release from the White House detailing the six people who were given clemency before the end of last year.

“[Jackson] pleaded guilty to one count of possession and sale of distilled spirits without tax stamps. The offense, which occurred when Mr. Jackson was 18, involved a single illegal whiskey transaction, and resulted in nominal loss to the government,” the release states.

“In 1964, he was sentenced to five years’ probation. Mr. Jackson attempted to fulfill his dream of enlisting in the United States Marine Corps after his high-school graduation in 1964, but was rejected due to the federal conviction. Mr. Jackson completed his probation term in June 1969. Mr. Jackson has been an active member of his church since 1987, and he has helped many community members in need and used his carpentry skills to maintain and renovate the church buildings.”

Highway Patrol seeks help after fatal hit and run

The state Highway Patrol reported a Jan. 2 fatal hit and run in Lexington County.

According to a release, the incident took place on Fish Hatchery Road Near Kimmey Road.

“South Carolina Highway Patrol is seeking information about a fatal hit and run collision,” the release states. “A black Ford F-150 was traveling south on Fish Hatchery Road and struck a moped. The operator of the moped sustained fatal injuries as a result of the collision. The suspect vehicle left the scene.

The Lexingoton County Coroner's Office reports that Darrell Ferris Branham, 37, was killed in the collision.

"[Branham] was traveling southbound on Fish Hatchery Road when he was struck from behind by a vehicle," the office posted to Facebook. "Mr. Branham, who was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead due to the injuries sustained. The driver of the vehicle failed to stop and left the scene. "

The model year for the truck is stated to be between 2015 and 2020.

“The vehicle may have front end damage and/or front passenger side damage,” the release states. “The vehicle may be missing the passenger side mirror.”

Those with information on the identity of those responsible are encouraged to make an anonymous tip by calling the Highway Patrol (803-896-9621 or 1-800-768-1503), Crime Stoppers (888-274-6372), going online to crimesc.com or using the P3 Tips mobile app.

State senator charged with public intoxication

A state senator serving Beaufort and Jasper counties was ticketed early New Year’s Day for public intoxication in Lexington.

“I am ashamed and embarrassed by what happened last night and I want to say I’m sorry to my family and to my constituents. I’m not going to deflect or excuse this mistake,” Sen. Tom Davis (R-Beaufort) said. “Instead, I am going to learn from it and move forward with a greater sense of responsibility.” 

Per a release sent out on behalf of Davis, “Moments after leaving a social gathering where alcohol was consumed, Senator Davis recognized he should not be driving. In an effort to be safe and responsible, he pulled his vehicle into a nearby parking lot, disengaged it and sat in it for over an hour.  At this point, he was approached by an LPD officer who ticketed him for public intoxication.”

The release states that Davis “cooperated immediately, fully, and completely with the officer. He was not charged with driving under the influence (DUI).”

The State and multiple other outlets confirmed with Lexington Police that Davis was charged with public intoxication.