News
Search for 72-year-old Paul Chandler after car in Congaree River
2024-12-05
Paul Chandler, a 72-year-old man, has become the focus of an urgent search after his car was found submerged in the Congaree River. His family and friends are deeply concerned and are doing everything they can to bring him home. The Congaree River holds a special place in Chandler's heart, and his regular visits to Bates Bridge Landing off Highway 601 are a testament to his connection with the water.
His Daughter's Perspective
Chandler's daughter, Jessica Chandler, shares her father's love for the river. "This river means a lot to him. It always has. It's been a place where he's always come to just be at peace," she says. She recalls how Chandler would frequently sit in his car at the end of the landing, with the headlights casting a glow onto the water. "He's been coming here since I was a baby, so this was his happy place, and it didn't matter the time," she adds.The Sheriff's Theories
Calhoun County Sheriff Thomas Summers has shared his theories on what might have happened. "We theorized he just came out here to look at the water. He liked doing that. Somehow, his vehicle ended up in the water," Summers said. The family's concern grew when the car was discovered with the windows open and in park. However, Sheriff Summers remains hopeful. "We don't have any signs at all that there's any foul play involved. Now we're checking on all the angles. Of course, it's an active investigation, but right now we don't have any signs of foul play."The Family's Efforts
The family has been actively involved in the search. "We've pretty much camped down here. We've walked at least a mile down the riverbanks. We've searched the water night and day. We've searched with flashlights. We've used boats. We've used live scope. We haven't left pretty much down here, just enough to go home and get a shower and repack clothes and come back," Jessica said. They last saw Chandler around 2:50 a.m. on Dec. 3 after reviewing home security footage that showed him leaving their residence.The Search Team's Collaboration
The Calhoun County Sheriff's Department has teamed up with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to increase the search efforts. They are patrolling the waterway using boats, performing sonar detection, and monitoring nearby roads and other areas surrounding the landing. Anyone with information on Chandler's whereabouts is urged to contact the Calhoun County Sheriff's Department.