A tragic accident claimed the lives of two high school students in Central, South Carolina, who drowned after daring each other to jump off a bridge. The victims, Rayan Alnasser, 16, and Zakaria Chaar, 15, were sophomores at D.W. Daniel High School. They lost their lives on Saturday night, May 18, 2024, after leaping from the Twelve Mile River Bridge into Lake Hartwell.
The Pickens County Sheriff’s Office reported that the fatal incident originated from a dare in a group chat among friends. The group gathered at the bridge, where Alnasser was the first to leap into the lake, quickly finding himself in distress. Chaar jumped in in an attempt to rescue his friend, but both were overwhelmed by the strong current.
Chief Deputy Chuck James of the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office relayed an account from an eyewitness on the shore, stating that Alnasser appeared to land awkwardly in the water, potentially leading to his immediate distress. A frantic 911 call was placed by another teenager on the shore at 10:28 p.m., expressing that Alnasser and Chaar were not resurfacing and could not be located.
Emergency services responded swiftly, deploying divers, boats, and sonar for a search operation that spanned Sunday and continued into Monday. Cadaver dogs were introduced to aid the search, and the bodies of the two boys were found around 11 a.m. Monday in a part of the lake estimated to be 15 feet deep.
Captain Brett Barwick of the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office highlighted that other teens have jumped off this bridge in the past without incident. However, he noted that a strong current beneath the bridge posed a significant risk to Alnasser and Chaar during their fatal plunge.
In response to the tragedy, the Pickens County School District extended its “deepest condolences and prayers” to the families and community, stating, “The loss of these young lives is a profound tragedy affecting not just their families but also their classmates, teachers, and the wider community.” They emphasized their commitment to providing support and care to their students, staff, and families during this difficult period.
Rayan Alnasser, a soccer player at D.W. Daniel High School, was remembered affectionately by his coach, Thomas Izaguirre. In an emotional Facebook tribute, Izaguirre wrote, “I would trade every trophy and even my life to have him back with his family. Rayan, you will be missed. “I will forever hold you in my heart. I love you, Rayan. Rest in peace.”
The loss has deeply affected the school community, with many students grappling with intense grief. Mackenzie Witt, a junior at D.W. Daniel High School, shared the impact on her peers with WSPA, stating, “It has affected many people because they were incredibly friendly to everyone. I believe they would be happy to see the community coming together, not just being sad. They would want everyone to support and love each other, to be happy and united.”
In the wake of the tragedy, the school district has announced plans to hold a vigil to commemorate the deceased students, offering a venue for the community to unite and remember them. Professional counselors, psychologists, and mental health practitioners are available to assist students, staff, and families in managing their grief.
The police have issued warnings against risky stunts like jumping off bridges, emphasizing the severe hazards involved. Chief Deputy Chuck James cautioned, “TikTok trends or habits that encourage people to jump off bridges or engage in similar actions are inherently unsafe.”