An 83-year-old woman tragically lost her life in South Carolina after falling nearly 50 feet into a hidden well shaft that was concealed beneath the kitchen floor of a home in Salem, just outside of Greenville. The Oconee County Coroner’s Office confirmed that Dorothy Louise Downey had arrived at the property on Sunday afternoon to assist her daughter with the moving process.
According to the coroner’s statement, an area of the kitchen floor had weakened over time, unbeknownst to the family. Unfortunately, when Downey stepped onto the weakened floor, she fell through into the well shaft, plummeting approximately 48 feet to her death. The well contained some water at its base. Property records indicate that the home was originally built in 1920.
The incident took place around 2 p.m. on Sunday and was reported several hours later. It wasn’t until around 5:45 p.m. that Downey was finally rescued from the well by the Salem Fire Department and Oconee Emergency Services.
An autopsy conducted on Monday revealed that Downey’s cause of death was blunt force injuries, confirming that her death was accidental. This tragic accident marks a unique occurrence in the 31-year career of Oconee County Coroner Karl Addis, who expressed his shock at the unusual circumstances.
This unfortunate incident serves as a reminder of the hidden dangers that can exist within older homes. It highlights the importance of regular maintenance and inspections to ensure the safety of residents. The local community mourns the loss of Dorothy Louise Downey and extends its deepest sympathies to her family during this difficult time.
