Remains of man missing since 2000 found in submerged car, coroner says

The Abbeville County coroner released the name of a man whose body was found in a submerged vehicle at Lake Russell on Saturday. Following an autopsy Monday, coroner Ronda Nance identified the person as John Henry Dubose after confirmation was made through dental identification. Dubose has been missing since September 22, 2000, according to the coroner.Nance said the autopsy Monday determined there was no trauma to Dubose's body. Toxicology and DNA has been sent to SLED for further testing, the coroner said. Abbeville County Coroner Ronnie Ashley said a fisherman spotted a Chevrolet about 17 feet underwater around 4 p.m. Saturday near the Beer Garden Creek Boat Ramp.Ashley said after the dive team retrieved the car from the water, they found human remains behind the driver's seat."The missing man from 16 years ago was from Calhoun Falls," Ashley said.The water level at Lake Russell was lower than normal due to the lack of rain and made it possible to spot the vehicle, Ashley said. The cause of death is being ruled "undetermined" at this time, according to coroner Ronda Nance.

The Abbeville County coroner released the name of a man whose body was found in a submerged vehicle at Lake Russell on Saturday.

Following an autopsy Monday, coroner Ronda Nance identified the person as John Henry Dubose after confirmation was made through dental identification.


Dubose has been missing since September 22, 2000, according to the coroner.



Nance said the autopsy Monday determined there was no trauma to Dubose's body.

Toxicology and DNA has been sent to SLED for further testing, the coroner said.

Abbeville County Coroner Ronnie Ashley said a fisherman spotted a Chevrolet about

17 feet underwater around 4 p.m. Saturday near the Beer Garden Creek Boat Ramp.

Ashley said after the dive team retrieved the car from the water, they found human remains behind the driver's seat.

"The missing man from 16 years ago was from Calhoun Falls," Ashley said.

The water level at Lake Russell was lower than normal due to the lack of rain and made it possible to spot the vehicle, Ashley said.

The cause of death is being ruled "undetermined" at this time, according to coroner Ronda Nance.