Congaree River drowning victim identified
Richland County Coroner Gary Watts has released the name of the individual who died in the Congaree River in the proximity of Gervais Street at Gist Street, Columbia, Sunday. The swimming incident happened at approximately 11 a.m. Sunday.
Fredrick Ochieng Babu, 36, of Mango Street, Andrews, was swimming in the Congaree River when he became distressed and went missing. His body surfaced on Tuesday at 200 Senate Street, Columbia, and was recovered at approximately 5:20 p.m.
An autopsy indicated that Babu died from asphyxiation due to drowning in the river.