Rescuers Continue Search for New Tampa Man Following Rafting Accident

A corporate retreat on the Chattooga River in South Carolina has ended in tragedy for a New Tampa family.

Search and rescue crews are still searching for the body of Thomas Patrick Hill, 51, of New Tampa.

A previous report said his body had been located. However, the U.S. Forestry Service told Patch that is not the case. 

"We are still searching for the body," said a forestry spokeswoman in a phone call to Patch Sunday, June 23. "It's been a difficult search but we have several locations that we want to look at."

Hill, a sales manager for Sherwin-Williams for 27 years, reportedly was on a corporate retreat with his company. Southeastern Expeditions took about 30 employees on a guided rafting tour June 19. The Chattooga, located near the Georgia border, is one of the most popular white-water rafting rivers in the county, according to Rafting.com.

During the tour, Hill and three others fell overboard at the Sock Em Dog Rapid. Hill never resurfaced. (See attached video of kayak enthusiasts attempting to navigate the Sock Em Dog Rapid.)

"The Sherwin-Williams family is deeply saddened and mourns the loss of Tom Hill. Tom, a 27-year veteran from our Tampa, Fla., district, was a valued member of the Sherwin-Williams team and contributed significantly to the company's success. Tom will be greatly missed," said company spokesman Mike Conway said in a statement released by Sherwin-Williams.

"Our condolences and prayers go out to Tom’s wife, Linda, and their four children during their time of mourning. The company is working closely with investigators to determine the details surrounding the accident," Conway continued.

About 25 emergency responders from Oconee and Pickens counties, Rabun County, Ga., and the U.S. Forest Service continued searching Sunday to locate the body of the missing rafter.

"After successfully completing surface water and shoreline searches, we were unable to locate Mr. Hill's body," Incident Cmdr. Scott Loftis told WYFF4.com television.

He said search crews were working in very dangerous conditions. Treacherous terrain and an unpredictable body of water presented constant challenges for the crews.

Crews used cameras and sonar equipment to search for Hill's body. The camera is extended underwater on a 20-foot pole in a 5-inch diameter viewing area with an even smaller lens.

All rafters were wearing life jackets and helmets and the guide had more than 20 years of experience.

The Hills are active members of Cypress Point Community Church in New Tampa.