23-year-old Shaw airman identified as drowning victim at Lake Wateree

The identity of the drowning victim at Lake Wateree on June 18 has been released.

Fairfield County Coroner's Office confirmed the man to be Carlen Hailey, 23,  of Los Angeles, California, who was a senior airman stationed at Shaw Air Force Base. 

On June 18, Kershaw County Fire Service responded to the Sailing Club area of Lake Wateree for a report of a missing person.

South Carolina Department of Natural Resources later reported divers recovered the body of a man. Preliminary information indicated Hailey exited a boat to swim and began experiencing distress in the water.

Others attempted to rescue him, but he did not resurface.

According to Coroner Chris Hill,  Hailey's body was found in Fairfield County in approximately 25 feet of water. 

Shaw released a statement Wednesday afternoon. 

“The 20th Fighter Wing is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of one of our Airmen, Senior Airman Carlen Hailey,” the base wrote in a statement. “This is an incredibly heartbreaking loss for the entire Shaw community. Our immediate priority is ensuring the well-being of our Airmen and mobilizing all available support resources, including chaplains and mental health professionals, to assist the unit during this difficult time.”

“Our most sincere condolences are with everyone who is grieving, especially Senior Airman Hailey’s family and friends.”

Out of respect for privacy and the member's family, as well as Department of the Air Force policy, no further details regarding the incident will be released by the base.