During the Memorial Day weekend in late May 2025, the peaceful waters of Skull Creek near Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, were shattered by a tragic boat collision that claimed the lives of two beloved local residents. The victims, Patsy and James Montgomery, both in their seventies, were aboard one of two boats involved in the crash that left two others seriously injured. The incident occurred on a late Friday night, a time when the waterways near Hilton Head Island are typically crowded with both local residents and tourists enjoying the long holiday weekend. As emergency responders rushed to the scene, the full scale of the tragedy began to unfold, with authorities, family, and the community grappling with the shocking loss.
The collision took place in Skull Creek, a well-known channel that connects the Intracoastal Waterway with the Port Royal Sound, an area popular for recreational boating. Despite its serene appearance, Skull Creek is notorious for being difficult to navigate, particularly at night. The narrow channels, potential for sudden currents, and occasional light reflections from nearby shorelines all present challenges for even the most experienced boaters. These factors, combined with the busyness of Memorial Day weekend, made this otherwise peaceful waterway a site of heartbreak and devastation.
At approximately 11:30 p.m. on Friday night, emergency crews were dispatched to Skull Creek after reports of the boat collision. Initial calls alerted officials to the fact that a crash had occurred between two vessels, one of which had tragically sunk. First responders from Beaufort County, including a unit from the U.S. Coast Guard and local marine patrol officers, immediately arrived at the scene to assist with the rescue operation. The situation quickly escalated when it was determined that two of the boaters—Patsy Montgomery, 73, and her husband, James Montgomery, 76—had been fatally injured in the crash. Despite valiant efforts by emergency personnel to resuscitate the couple, they were both pronounced dead at the scene.
Two additional boaters who were involved in the incident were seriously injured and were transported to a nearby hospital. Their identities and current conditions have not been released, but authorities are working diligently to provide updates on their recovery. As the community mourns the loss of the Montgomerys, the investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing, with officials working to determine factors such as speed, visibility, and any potential mechanical or human errors that may have contributed to the collision.
The tragic deaths of the Montgomerys have sent shockwaves throughout Hilton Head Island and the surrounding region, especially in the neighboring town of Bluffton, where the couple was well-known and beloved. Friends, neighbors, and colleagues described Patsy and James Montgomery as “devoted,” “kind-hearted,” and “adventurous.” The couple, who had been married for several decades, were avid boating enthusiasts and loved spending their free time on the water. They were known for their warmth and generosity, frequently sharing their love of the outdoors with family, friends, and community members.
“They were the kind of people who made everyone feel welcome,” said one neighbor, who described the Montgomerys as pillars of their community. “They truly loved life, and their passion for boating was something they shared with everyone around them. This is just heartbreaking for all of us.”
In response to the incident, local authorities have issued reminders about the importance of water safety, particularly during the busy summer months. The crash has raised several important questions about safety precautions on the water, especially for recreational boaters who may not be familiar with the area’s navigational hazards. Skull Creek, despite its beauty, is a challenging waterway to navigate, particularly at night when visibility is reduced. It is believed that the Montgomerys’ boat was struck at a particularly vulnerable point in the creek, which may have led to the tragic outcome.
According to initial reports, the collision occurred in an area of the creek where the water is particularly narrow, making it difficult for vessels to maneuver safely. At the time of the crash, authorities have stated that the weather conditions were clear, and there was no indication of foul play or external interference. However, questions about the lighting conditions, the speed of the boats involved, and the use of navigation lights are expected to be key components of the investigation.
The ongoing investigation by Beaufort County authorities and the South Carolina Highway Patrol will focus on several potential contributing factors, including the role of alcohol or impaired driving, the speed of the boats, and the level of experience of the boat operators. As part of the investigation, both the boat’s data and witness statements will be reviewed, and officials are also working to determine whether mechanical failure could have contributed to the collision. The final report on the incident is expected to take several weeks, with the public eagerly awaiting the findings to better understand what went wrong on that fateful night.
In the wake of the crash, local leaders have expressed their deepest condolences to the Montgomery family and the entire community. Hilton Head Island and Bluffton are both known for their strong sense of community, and residents have come together to support one another through this difficult time. A candlelight vigil was held on the weekend in honor of the Montgomerys, where friends, neighbors, and loved ones shared stories of their lives and their impact on the community. The vigil was a poignant reminder of the couple’s legacy and the lives they touched with their kindness and generosity.
Local boating organizations have also called for increased awareness and education about boating safety, particularly for those who may not be familiar with the unique challenges of navigating South Carolina’s waterways. Efforts to raise awareness about safety measures, such as the importance of wearing life jackets, using proper lighting at night, and adhering to speed limits, are expected to intensify in the wake of this tragedy.
In addition to these immediate measures, the local community is also calling for improvements to boating infrastructure, particularly in high-traffic areas like Skull Creek. Residents have expressed a desire for additional safety measures, such as better signage, improved lighting, and possibly even dedicated boating lanes to help prevent future accidents.
As the community continues to grieve the loss of Patsy and James Montgomery, their memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew them. The Montgomerys’ love for life, their passion for boating, and their deep connection to their community will be remembered for years to come. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of water safety, especially during the busy summer months when many people take to the water to enjoy recreational activities.
In the days and weeks ahead, the family will continue to mourn their loss while also honoring the Montgomerys’ memory. As the investigation continues and more details emerge, the focus will remain on ensuring that such a tragedy never happens again. Through increased education, better safety measures, and greater awareness, the hope is that the legacy of Patsy and James Montgomery will help spark positive change in the boating community.
Rest in peace, Patsy and James. You will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing you, and your memory will continue to inspire those who carry on your love for life and the water.
