Calhoun County, South Carolina has been the center of a heart-wrenching mystery as the daughter of a missing man pleads for help. Paul Chandler, a 72-year-old respected mechanic, was last seen around 3 a.m. Tuesday near Bates Landing off U.S. 601. His car was later found submerged in the Congaree River, a place that held special meaning for him.

The "Happy Place" and Its Significance

For Jessica Chandler, Paul Chandler's daughter, the Congaree River was more than just a body of water. It was her "happy place" where they spent countless weekends camping. "This is where I grew up. It's always been a peaceful place for me until now. I just want to find my daddy," she said. The river had a deep connection with her father as well. It was a place he found solace and tranquility.

The Discovery and Initial Theories

Chandler's car was recovered in the Congaree River later that morning. The windows were down, leading to a theory that he might have been sitting there, looking at the water with his foot off the break. An image captured by family members showed that the car had nearly completely sunken, with only the roof visible. Search efforts by law enforcement and family members have been ongoing, with the Sheriff's Office and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources using radar on their boats to look underwater.

Family's Desperate Search

The past several days have been sleepless for Jessica Chandler and her family. They have camped out at the boat landing, walking up and down the riverbanks with boats and flashlights, searching day and night. "If anybody is dedicated and knows this river, if you're willing to come out with your boat and just search, it would be appreciated by us," Jessica said. They believe there may be a woman who often comes by Bates Landing late at night and are asking her to come forward if she saw anything.

Deputy's Active Investigation

Calhoun County Sheriff Thomas Summers, who has known the family for decades, is leading the investigation. He has stressed that there are no signs of foul play at this point but is pursuing all angles and leads. Deputies are patrolling back roads that Chandler was known to frequent. The family hopes that with continued efforts, Paul Chandler will return home safely.Feel more informed, prepared, and connected with WIS. For more free content like this, subscribe to our email newsletter, and download our apps. Have feedback that can help us improve? Click here.Copyright 2024 WIS. All rights reserved.