Chelsea Cole Obituary, Death, Drowning – A tragic drowning occurred at Lake Hartwell on Saturday evening, as the Stephens County Coroner’s Office confirmed the death of a woman who had gone missing while swimming. The victim has been identified as 31-year-old Chelsea Cole from Madison County, Georgia.
Authorities received an emergency call at approximately 5:14 p.m. on Saturday, alerting them that Cole had disappeared while swimming in the popular lake, which straddles the border between Georgia and South Carolina. Responding quickly, dive teams from the Stephens County and Oconee County Sheriff’s offices were deployed to search the waters for the missing swimmer.
After hours of intense searching, the teams located a body at 8:22 p.m., which was later confirmed by the coroner to be that of Chelsea Cole. Despite the quick response and rescue efforts, the recovery came too late to save her life. Lake Hartwell, known for its scenic beauty and recreational opportunities, has unfortunately been the site of several drownings in recent years.
The circumstances surrounding Cole’s drowning are still under investigation. At this time, authorities have not provided details about whether strong currents, sudden changes in water conditions, or other factors may have contributed to the tragic incident. Chelsea Cole’s family, friends, and the Madison County community are grappling with the shock and grief of her untimely passing.
In the wake of the tragedy, local authorities are urging visitors to Lake Hartwell and other bodies of water to take extra precautions while swimming, especially in areas without designated lifeguards. This incident is a somber reminder of the unpredictable nature of open water, even for those familiar with the area. As the investigation continues, safety officials are expected to review and reinforce swimming advisories around Lake Hartwell to help prevent future tragedies. No further details have been released regarding memorial services for Chelsea Cole.