Allen Sidney Benware, Jr. arrested in Lake Greenwood accident
Two boaters were killed on Lake Greenwood in Laurens County, SC on July 6, 2025, and the operator of another boat that crashed into them was arrested, according to SCDNR officials. Allen Sidney Benware, Jr., 37-years-old, was charged with two counts of felony boating under the influence.
The crash happened around 2 a.m. on the Laurens County side of the lake, and involved what officials described as a Yamaha boat and an Alumacraft boat.
The Yamaha boat, which was operated by Benware, was traveling without proper lighting. SCDNR officers were about to stop Benware when he crashed into the Alumacraft boat, which had proper lighting, from behind.
“Our officers were stationary on the water, conducting proactive safety operations when they observed the Yamaha traveling without proper navigation lights,” SCDNR officials said. “As officers prepared to initiate a vessel stop, the Yamaha collided with the Alumacraft. Our officers witnessed the collision and immediately rendered life-saving aid. They also took swift action to prevent the at-fault operator from fleeing the scene.”
Thomas Chandler Davis and Abby Katherine Davis, two of five people aboard the Alumacraft, were killed, according to the Laurens County Coroner’s Office. Another passenger was ejected from the Alumacraft, but was quickly rescued, and two passengers were taken to the hospital, treated for injuries, then released.
Benware was booked into the Laurens County Detention Center.
An SCDNR spokesperson said “the tragic event serves as a stark reminder that alcohol and water are a deadly combination. We continue to urge the public: always designate a sober skipper. Lives depend on it.”
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