Tragic Accident in Century-Old South Carolina Residence

An unfortunate incident occurred in a century-old South Carolina house, resulting in the untimely demise of an 83-year-old woman. The elderly woman was aiding her daughter in the process of relocating from the property in Salem, which dates back to 1920. Unexpectedly, she plummeted 48 feet when decaying floorboards gave way, revealing a concealed well shaft unbeknownst to the occupants. Following a painstaking four-hour rescue operation, the victim, Dorothy Louise Downey, was recovered from the depths of the well. Reportedly, the family was unaware of the well's existence beneath the house. After the floor collapse, the woman's daughter searched for her to no avail. Tragically, the coroner concluded that the woman succumbed to injuries sustained from the fall. The coroner expressed that, in his 31 years of service, such an occurrence had not been witnessed before in Oconee County. This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the unforeseen hazards lurking within aged structures.