Couple Killed in Tragic Hilton Head Island Boat Crash Identified as Bluffton Residents
HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. — June 30, 2025 — A weekend boating tragedy in the waters off Hilton Head Island has left the Lowcountry community mourning the devastating loss of two longtime residents. The Beaufort County Coroner’s Office has officially identified the victims as Patsy Montgomery, 73, and James Montgomery, 76, both of Bluffton, South Carolina.
The couple tragically lost their lives on the evening of Friday, June 27, when the vessel they were on crashed into a navigational marker in Skull Creek, a scenic but sometimes challenging section of the Intracoastal Waterway near Skull Creek Marina. According to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), the incident occurred shortly after nightfall, and both Patsy and James Montgomery were pronounced dead at the scene.
Two other passengers on the vessel were also injured in the crash and were transported for medical treatment. Their current conditions have not been made public, but officials have confirmed they survived the incident.
Capt. Charlotte M. McKee of SCDNR provided an update on the ongoing investigation, stating:
“The boating incident that occurred on June 27 in Beaufort County took place in Skull Creek, just north of Skull Creek Marina. Preliminary findings indicate that the vessel struck a day marker marking the Intracoastal Waterway. Investigators are working to determine the cause of the incident. The vessel operator is deceased, and at this time, no criminal charges are pending.”
The SCDNR Law Enforcement Division is leading the investigation, focusing on factors such as lighting conditions, operator error, speed, and visibility. While no signs of foul play or criminal wrongdoing have emerged, authorities continue to piece together the timeline and conditions surrounding the fatal collision.
Remembering Patsy and James Montgomery
News of the tragic accident has sent ripples of grief throughout the tight-knit Bluffton and Hilton Head communities. Patsy and James Montgomery, described by neighbors and friends as warm, generous, and deeply devoted to one another, were enjoying their retirement years in the Lowcountry. They had a deep appreciation for the coastal lifestyle and often spent time boating and exploring the waterways of South Carolina together.
The couple was well known in their community for their kindness, volunteer work, and strong family values. Friends have spoken of their inseparable bond, calling them soulmates who had shared a love story spanning more than five decades.
“They were the kind of couple everyone admired,” said one neighbor. “Always hand-in-hand, always smiling. It’s heartbreaking to lose them both like this.”
As word of their passing spread, tributes began appearing on social media and in community spaces, with many expressing sorrow, support for the surviving family members, and calls for greater boating safety measures in the area.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Vigil
As the investigation continues, officials have reminded all boaters to exercise caution, especially when navigating at night or in low-visibility conditions. Skull Creek, while beautiful, is known for its narrow passages, channel markers, and heavy weekend traffic during the summer boating season.
Community members are planning a vigil in honor of Patsy and James Montgomery, tentatively scheduled for later this week at a local church in Bluffton. Family members are also preparing arrangements to celebrate the couple’s life and legacy, details of which will be shared with the public once finalized.
This tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly a joyous outing can turn to heartbreak on the water. The Beaufort County community stands united in mourning the loss of two cherished residents whose love and presence will not soon be forgotten.
