Two high school students from Central, South Carolina lost their lives after a dare to jump off a bridge ended in tragedy. Rayan Alnasser, 16, and Zakaria Chaar, 15, both sophomores at D.W. Daniel High School, drowned in Lake Hartwell late Saturday night, May 18, 2024, after jumping from the Twelve Mile River Bridge.
According to the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began as a dare in a group chat among friends. The teens met at the bridge, and Alnasser jumped into the lake but immediately went into distress. Chaar jumped in to save his friend but was also dragged underwater by the strong current.
An eyewitness on the shore described Alnasser as landing awkwardly in the water, which might have caused his distress,” Chief Deputy Chuck James told reporters. Another teenager on the shore called 911 at 10:28 p.m., stating that Alnasser and Chaar were not resurfacing in the water and could not be found.
Emergency responders arrived within minutes, launching a search using divers, boats, and sonar. The search continued through Sunday and into Monday. The police reported that cadaver dogs were brought in to help with the search, and the bodies of the two boys were discovered around 11 a.m. Monday in a section of the lake approximately 15 feet deep.
Captain Brett Barwick of the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office noted that other teens have jumped off the bridge without incident in the past. In this instance, a strong current under the bridge created a dangerous situation for the victims.
In a statement, Pickens County School District extended its “deepest condolences and prayers” to the 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 said. “During times like this, our priority is to offer the necessary support and care to our students, staff, and families.”
Rayan Alnasser, a soccer player at D.W. Daniel High School, was fondly remembered by his coach, Thomas Izaguirre. “I would trade every trophy and even my life to have him back with his family,” Izaguirre expressed in a heartfelt Facebook tribute. “Rayan, you will be missed. “I will forever hold you in my heart. I love you, Rayan. Rest in peace.”
The tragedy has left the school community in mourning, with many students experiencing profound grief. Mackenzie Witt, a junior at D.W. Daniel High School, discussed how the incident has impacted 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 has announced plans to hold a vigil to honor the two students, providing a space for the community to come together and remember them. Counselors, psychologists, and mental health professionals are on hand to support students, staff, and families during this difficult time.
The police have cautioned against the dangers of such stunts, highlighting the significant risks associated with jumping off bridges and similar activities. “TikTok trends or habits that encourage people to jump off bridges or engage in similar actions are inherently unsafe,” Chief Deputy Chuck James said.
