Family and friends are mourning the sudden loss of a South Carolina teenager who drowned while trying to rescue a younger sibling caught in a current on Sept. 13.
Pickens County authorities confirmed Moore local Sahiyd Thomas-Joyner, 15, died shortly after jumping into Lake Keowee, near Keowee-Toxaway State Park, to assist his 12-year-old brother who was struggling in dangerous water currents.
It took 40 minutes for officers to locate Thomas-Joyner’s body.
Dorman High School, which the boy attended, confirmed the two were attending a church camping trip at the time of the accident.
National Hoops Ministries Director Mike Washer and his wife Nikki acknowledged Thomas-Joyner’s last heroic act in rescuing his brother.
The school community will remember Thomas-Joyner as a “sophomore who genuinely cared for others.”
“He loved to sing and was actively involved in the Dorman chorus,” the school said. “We extend our prayers and deepest condolences to Sahiyd’s family.”
Edward Thomas has set up a Gofundme fundraiser to help the boy’s grieving family pay for funeral and memorial expenses.
The original target of $8,000, had been exceeded at the time of this publication.
“There are six children in the Thomas family and they are in need of a miracle to happen in order to take care of the expenses of the funeral,” they said on Facebook. “The approximate cost will be $5000. Gifts given through this website will go directly to IBC, and then to take care of this great need ... thank you for your kindness in considering what you can do.”