SOLVED After 2-Weeks: Found Remains of Clemson Graduate 5ft Deep in Lake!

Clemson Graduate Found After Two-Week Search: Remains Discovered in Shallow Lake in Pickens County

PICKENS COUNTY, S.C. — After nearly two weeks of searching, the body of missing Clemson University graduate Swapnil Srivastava was found Monday afternoon in a shallow inlet at RC Edwards Meadow Park, bringing a somber end to a case that had gripped the Clemson community and devastated his family.

Authorities confirmed that human remains were located in approximately five feet of water following a coordinated search effort involving volunteer divers, sonar operators, and law enforcement. The discovery was made less than 50 feet from shore — in an area that had drawn attention early in the investigation due to personal items found nearby.

“This is the outcome we were hoping to avoid, but at the same time, we’re grateful to finally bring answers to the family,” said one volunteer searcher at the scene.

A Disappearance That Raised Immediate Questions

Swapnil Srivastava, a recent Clemson graduate, was reported missing earlier this month after his vehicle was found parked at RC Edwards Meadow Park near Clemson, South Carolina. Inside the car were his phone, wallet, and other personal belongings — an immediate red flag for investigators and family members alike.

What made the case particularly puzzling was the absence of any evidence suggesting he had left the area. His car had been located, but there were no confirmed sightings of Srivastava afterward.

Adding to the mystery, a boxing glove belonging to him was later discovered partially submerged near the edge of a nearby pond within the park.

“That was the moment everyone started looking at the water differently,” one search volunteer said. “You don’t leave something like that behind by accident.”

Volunteers Join the Search

As days passed without answers, independent search teams known for solving cold cases involving submerged vehicles and missing persons were contacted. Among them were members of Exploring with Nug, Hilo and Sub, and Ryan Finds Truth — groups that use sonar boats, underwater drones, and remote-operated vehicles (ROVs) to search waterways.

“This case was different,” said one of the team leaders. “There was no missing vehicle to look for. But all the signs pointed to the water.”

When volunteers arrived at RC Edwards Meadow Park, they found missing-person flyers posted throughout the area. The park, which features wooded trails, ponds, and an inlet near Meadows Falls, had already been searched extensively on land. K-9 units, ground teams, and aerial drones had found nothing.

But one crucial step had not yet been taken.

“No one had run sonar on the pond,” a volunteer explained. “That’s what we specialize in.”

A Focus on the Inlet

The water level in the pond was lower than usual, making the search both easier and more unsettling. Volunteers discussed search patterns and focused first on the area near where the boxing glove had been found.

As sonar boats moved slowly across the inlet, searchers debated scenarios — including whether Srivastava may have deliberately walked into the water.

According to volunteers familiar with the case, Srivastava had left a message to his mother prior to his disappearance indicating emotional distress. Family members later confirmed he had access to exercise weights, some of which were unaccounted for.

“All signs pointed to him being in the water,” one searcher said quietly. “If he were on land, someone would have found him by now.”

During the search, a second boxing glove was discovered approximately 50 feet from the shoreline, soaking wet and partially hidden in the woods. The find intensified the urgency.

“To some of us, it felt like a trail,” one volunteer said. “Almost like he wanted to be found.”

A Disturbing Image on Sonar

As the sonar sweep continued, volunteers noticed an unusual shape near a dead tree sticking out of the water. The object stood out against the otherwise flat, sandy bottom.

“It didn’t look like a stump,” one operator recalled. “It looked like legs.”

Multiple passes were made over the same spot. The dimensions appeared consistent with a human body. The water depth in the area was approximately four to five feet — shallow enough that someone could walk out to that point before losing footing.

An underwater drone was deployed to confirm what sonar suggested.

What appeared on the screen left little doubt.

“I just saw a shoe,” the operator said. Moments later, he confirmed seeing a leg and a boot.

“We found him.”

Law Enforcement Takes Over

Authorities were immediately notified. Pickens County Sheriff’s deputies arrived on scene and established a secured perimeter, treating the area as a potential crime scene in accordance with standard procedure.

“For investigative purposes, we have to treat this as an unidentified body until positive identification is made,” a sheriff’s official explained to volunteers and family members at the scene. “That doesn’t reflect a lack of compassion — it’s how we preserve the integrity of the investigation.”

Due to the shallow depth of the water, officials indicated the body could be recovered without specialized dive operations. Tactical rescue units were called in to handle retrieval.

Volunteers remained nearby to assist law enforcement in locating the exact position of the remains, using tethered equipment left in place as a marker.

Community Grief and Closure

As news spread, members of the Clemson community gathered quietly near the park. Some stood with hands clasped. Others wept openly.

While the investigation into Srivastava’s death is ongoing, authorities have not indicated any signs of foul play at this stage. An autopsy will be conducted to determine the official cause and manner of death.

For volunteers who participated in the search, the moment was bittersweet.

“This is why we do what we do,” one said. “Not for views, not for recognition — but to give families answers.”

After two weeks of uncertainty, the Srivastava family finally has those answers — though they come with unimaginable grief.

Swapnil Srivastava was found less than five feet beneath the surface, hidden in plain sight.

And with his discovery, a painful chapter closes — not with relief, but with truth.