Beaver County man drowns in South Carolina lake

PITTSBURGH — It was supposed to be a weekend of fun, but it turned tragic when a Beaver County man drowned in a South Carolina lake.

Kellen Mackey of New Brighton was found dead Saturday morning after recovery crews said his kayak overturned and he didn’t come back up.

“It’s still unreal, still feels like a dream,” said Willie Murray, Mackey’s Uncle. “We’re just trying to do what Kellen would want.”

CLICK HERE if you’d like to donate to a GoFundMe the family set up.

Murray said Mackey was in Greenville, South Carolina to be a groomsman in a childhood friends’ wedding.

Mackey was reportedly unable to swim and was not wearing a life jacket.

“He was so infectious with his smile. When you saw him, he would light up the room when he walked in,” Murray said. “They just have to hold onto all of those incredible memories. That’s what we’re going to do.”

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