News Summary
Rick and Patsy Montgomery lost their lives in a boating accident on Skull Creek, leaving a lasting impact on their Bluffton community. The couple, known for their charitable spirit and deep love for each other, were married for nearly 55 years. Following the tragic incident, questions about emergency response times have sparked calls for boating safety reforms in South Carolina. A funeral service is scheduled to honor their legacy.
Hilton Head Island
Rick Montgomery, 76, and Patsy Montgomery, 73, tragically lost their lives in a boating accident on Skull Creek on June 27, 2025. The incident occurred at approximately 9:45 p.m. when the couple’s 23-foot vessel capsized near the entrance to Skull Creek after reportedly hitting a day marker that marks the Intracoastal Waterway. Two other individuals on board the vessel sustained injuries and were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Both Rick and Patsy Montgomery resided in Bluffton, South Carolina, having lived in the Sun City community for the last seven years. They were married for nearly 55 years and are survived by their daughter, Karen. The couple’s bond was established in the 1960s when they met while Rick was serving in the Navy, and their relationship blossomed from a blind date.
Alongside the Montgomerys, two dogs were found deceased at the scene of the accident, contributing to the sorrow of their close-knit community. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) and the U.S. Coast Guard, responded promptly to the incident to conduct investigations and assist the injured. The cause of death for the couple is still pending the results of autopsies.
Friends and local residents remember the Montgomerys for their kind-hearted nature and charitable spirit. Rick, a local construction company owner, forged a friendship with Rick after an inquiry about building a retirement home. The couple was known for extending their homes to individuals in need, notably caring for a man with jaw cancer for several months. Their generosity also extended to communities visited during their travels, where they created memorable experiences, such as gifting a young man from Roatán, Honduras, a moped.
Friends describe the Montgomerys as embodying love and devotion, emphasizing their commitment to each other and their Christian faith. They enjoyed an active retirement, filled with travel, boating, and community involvement. Their unexpected passing has left a profound impact on their neighbors, family, and friends.
A funeral service will be held for Rick and Patsy Montgomery at Community Bible Church in Bluffton on July 11, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., followed by their burial at Beaufort National Cemetery. The couple’s tragic end has sparked a wave of mourning within the community as they remember their lives and the legacy of goodwill they left behind.
The response to the accident by Beaufort County is currently under scrutiny, with concerns raised regarding emergency response times. In light of this and other recent incidents, South Carolina lawmakers are advocating for reforms aimed at enhancing boating safety and emergency response protocols. The tragic loss of the Montgomerys continues to serve as a stark reminder of the importance of safety measures on the water.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tragic Boating Incident Claims Life of Georgia Man on Lake Eufaula
Additional Resources
- Bluffton Today
- Wikipedia: Boating Safety
- Fits News
- Google Search: boating accident South Carolina
- People
- Google Scholar: boating accidents
- WYFF News 4
- Encyclopedia Britannica: boating accidents
- Island Packet
- Google News: Hilton Head Island
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SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
