In a tragic incident in Central, South Carolina, two sophomores from D.W. Daniel High School lost their lives after a dare to jump off a bridge went horribly wrong. Rayan Alnasser, 16, and Zakaria Chaar, 15, drowned in Lake Hartwell on Saturday night May 18, 2024, after leaping from the Twelve Mile River Bridge.
The Pickens County Sheriff’s Office reported that the unfortunate event began as a dare during a group chat among friends. The teenagers met at the bridge, and upon jumping into the lake, Alnasser immediately found himself in distress. Chaar, in an attempt to rescue his friend, jumped in as well but was also pulled under by the strong current.
A witness on the shore recounted Alnasser’s awkward landing in the water, which may have contributed to his immediate distress,” stated Chief Deputy Chuck James. A fellow teenager on the shore dialed 911 at 10:28 p.m., reporting that Alnasser and Chaar had not resurfaced and their whereabouts in the water were unknown.
Emergency teams arrived swiftly, initiating a search operation involving divers, boats, and sonar equipment. The search extended into Sunday and Monday. Cadaver dogs were used to aid the search, leading to the discovery of the boys’ bodies around 11 a.m. Monday in a part of the lake about 15 feet deep, according to the police.
Captain Brett Barwick of the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office pointed out that while other teenagers have previously jumped off the bridge without harm, a strong current on this occasion created a perilous situation.
The Pickens County School District issued a statement extending its “deepest condolences and prayers” to the grieving families and community. “The loss of these young lives is a profound tragedy affecting not just their families but also their classmates, teachers, and the wider community,” the district expressed. “During times like this, our priority is to offer the necessary support and care to our students, staff, and families.”
Alnasser’s soccer coach at D.W. Daniel High School, Thomas Izaguirre, paid tribute to him on Facebook. “I would trade every trophy and even my life to have him back with his family,” Izaguirre wrote. “Rayan, you will be missed. “I will forever hold you in my heart. I love you, Rayan. Rest in peace.”
The incident has plunged the school community into mourning, with many students grappling with intense grief. Mackenzie Witt, a junior at D.W. Daniel High School, spoke about the impact on her peers. “It has affected many people because they were incredibly friendly to everyone,” Witt told WSPA. “I believe they would be happy to see the community coming together, not just being sad. They would want everyone to support and love each other, to be happy and united.”
The school district plans to hold a vigil to honor the memory of the two students, providing a space for the community to gather and remember them. Mental health professionals, counselors, and psychologists are available to support students, staff, and families during this challenging time.
Police have warned about the significant risks associated with daredevil stunts like jumping off bridges. “TikTok trends or habits that encourage people to jump off bridges or engage in similar actions are inherently unsafe,” cautioned Chief Deputy Chuck James.
