Two South Carolina High School Teens Found Dead in Lake Hartwell After Daring Jump Challenge

Rayan Alnasser (left) and Zakaria Chaar drowned after jumping off a South Carolina bridge over the weekend.

Two South Carolina teens, Rayan Al-Nasser, 16, and Zakaria Chaar, 15, were found dead in suspected drownings after being challenged to jump into Lake Hartwell over the weekend, authorities reported. The Pickens County Coroner's Office confirmed that the bodies were recovered late Monday morning in 15 feet of water, approximately eight feet apart. Al-Nasser was located at 10:20 a.m. and Chaar ten minutes later.

According to Pickens County Sheriff’s Capt. Brett Barwick, a call was received Saturday at 10:28 p.m. reporting that three teens had jumped into the lake, with two subsequently going missing. Upon deputies' arrival, a boater had already rescued one teen from the water. Emergency teams continued their search throughout Sunday and Monday.

Alnasser was a member of the school's soccer team.

Barwick indicated the teens likely jumped as part of a challenge. WHNS reported that the challenge, discussed in a group chat, involved jumping off a bridge and swimming back to shore. It is believed that other students may have attempted the challenge without injury.

Authorities stated that after the group jumped, one teen immediately went into distress, prompting another to attempt a rescue. Both teens disappeared underwater. Signs on bridges at Lake Hartwell warn against jumping into the water.

Alnasser was a member of the school's soccer team.

Emergency management teams from Pickens, Anderson, Oconee, and Greenville counties, along with Clemson University Emergency Management and Fire/EMS, assisted in the search near Pike Road and Highway 133. Barwick noted the poor visibility in the water hindered rescue efforts.

The teens partook in the deadly stunt after being dared in a group chat.

Both Al-Nasser and Chaar were students at D.W. Daniel High School in Central. The School District of Pickens County expressed deep condolences, describing the loss as a profound tragedy impacting the entire school community. The district emphasized its commitment to supporting students, staff, and families during this difficult time.

The teens' bodies were found Monday morning

Al-Nasser's coach, Thomas Bonilla, shared a heartfelt message on Facebook, asking for prayers for the family. "I feel blessed God allowed me to hug him and tell him how proud I was of him one last time," Bonilla wrote. "I can’t imagine the pain his parents are going through right now. For those who pray, please keep him and his family in your prayers. I would give up every trophy and even my life for him to be back with his family."