Special to the Independent-Mail A diver surfaces Sunday after looking for the body of William Michael Simmons Sr. in Hartwell Lake.

Man, 52, drowns

Veteran was an 'excellent swimmer'

By Lauren Hutton / Independent-Mail
June 29, 2003

An Anderson native and Vietnam veteran died Sunday of an apparent drowning in Hartwell Lake after swimming after his remote-control boat that floated out of range, Anderson Deputy Coroner Charlie Boseman said.

William Michael Simmons Sr., 52, disappeared underwater while pushing the boat back to shore about 6 p.m., according to his son, William Michael Simmons Jr., who was spending the day with his family at the lake near Kings Road.

Mr. Simmons Sr.’s sister, Nicki McCollough, said she was in shock when her aunt called her and told her the news.

"He was a Navy man and an excellent swimmer, so I could not believe it," she said. "My brother was diabetic and had a bad knee that he just had surgery on, so maybe something happened."

Ms. McCollough said Mr. Simmons Sr. just talked to his other sister living in Connecticut.

"They had a long conversation and told each other how much they loved one another," she said. "She had not seen us in a while and was planning on coming to Anderson on Tuesday— just two days before this."

Medshore Emergency medical Service transported Mr. Simmons Sr.’s wife to the hospital after having an anxiety attack, Mr. Simmons Jr. said.

The Anderson County Sheriff’s Office along with the Hopewell Fire Department, and the Department of Natural Resources responded to the accident about 7 p.m.

After two boats scoured the lake, the body was found and identified about 9:15 p.m.

Mr. Boseman confirmed to the 20 family and friends at the scene that the cause of death appeared to be a drowning and that alcohol did not seem to be a factor.

Friends and family knew Mr. Simmons for his incredible mechanic talents.

Ms. McCollough said he spend his free time building model planes and boats and teaching himself to use a computer.