With heavy hearts, family, friends, and members of the Columbia, South Carolina, community are mourning the loss of 61-year-old Erith Hitchcock, whose life came to an unexpected end after authorities recovered her body from the Broad River on Sunday.
Emergency crews were initially called to the area around 5 p.m. for a reported water rescue. However, the response later turned into a body recovery operation after officials located Hitchcock.
The Richland County Coroner’s Office identified Hitchcock as the person recovered from the river. Coroner Naida Rutherford said the case remains an active investigation and that more details will be released as they become available.
The Columbia-Richland Fire Department and the Columbia Police Department are assisting with the ongoing investigation as authorities work to understand the circumstances surrounding her death.
During this difficult time, thoughts and prayers are with Erith Hitchcock’s family, friends, and everyone who knew and loved her. May her memory bring comfort to those grieving her loss.