The tragic death of Mallory Beach remains a painful memory for her family, friends, and the wider South Carolina community. February 24, 2025, marks six years since the boating accident that claimed the 19-year-old’s life, yet the case continues to draw attention due to its connection to the powerful Murdaugh family and the legal battles that followed.
As the anniversary passes, many reflect on the impact of the case—not just as a personal loss but as a pivotal moment in the unraveling of one of South Carolina’s most infamous legal dynasties.
The Night of the Tragedy: February 24, 2019
On the night of February 23, 2019, a group of six young adults, including Mallory Beach, boarded a boat owned by the Murdaugh family. The driver, Paul Murdaugh, was heavily intoxicated, despite being underage. Witnesses later testified that Paul was acting recklessly, refusing to let others take control of the boat and speeding through the dark waters of Archer’s Creek near Parris Island, South Carolina.
At around 2:20 AM on February 24, the boat crashed into a bridge near Parris Island, throwing Mallory Beach into the water. The others survived, but Mallory was missing. Her body was discovered a week later, on March 3, 2019, about five miles from the crash site. The autopsy revealed that she had died from blunt force trauma and drowning.
The Murdaugh Family Connection and Legal Fallout
The accident immediately sparked controversy due to the Murdaugh family’s influence in South Carolina’s legal system. Paul Murdaugh, the son of prominent attorney Alex Murdaugh, was charged with boating under the influence (BUI) resulting in death and serious bodily injury.
However, the case faced delays and suspicions of legal interference, with allegations that the Murdaugh family attempted to obstruct the investigation and protect Paul from consequences. These suspicions intensified in the years following the crash.
Paul Murdaugh’s Murder in 2021
Before he could stand trial, Paul Murdaugh was murdered alongside his mother, Maggie Murdaugh, at their family estate on June 7, 2021. His father, Alex Murdaugh, was later found guilty of their murders in a highly publicized trial. Prosecutors argued that Alex, facing financial ruin and legal troubles, killed his wife and son in an attempt to gain sympathy and distract from his crimes.
Ongoing Legal Battles and Civil Lawsuits
While the criminal case against Paul Murdaugh ended with his death, the legal consequences of Mallory Beach’s death continued.
Beach Family’s Lawsuit Against the Murdaughs
Mallory’s parents, Renee and Philip Beach, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Murdaugh family, seeking accountability for their daughter’s death. The lawsuit focused on:
- Paul’s intoxication and reckless behavior.
- His parents’ alleged negligence in allowing him access to alcohol and the boat.
- The role of Parker’s convenience store, which sold alcohol to the underage Paul Murdaugh before the crash.
In 2023, Parker’s reached a $15 million settlement with the Beach family, acknowledging their role in illegally selling alcohol to Paul. The lawsuit against Alex Murdaugh and his surviving son, Buster Murdaugh, also progressed, with settlements reached in late 2023.
The Impact on the Community
The case exposed deep-rooted issues in South Carolina’s legal system, wealth-based privilege, and corruption. Many believe that if the Murdaugh family had not held such power, Paul Murdaugh would have faced justice much sooner.
The incident also led to changes in boating laws and alcohol sales regulations in South Carolina, as lawmakers pushed for stricter enforcement of underage drinking and boating safety.
Remembering Mallory Beach
Six years later, Mallory Beach is remembered not just as a victim but as a young woman whose tragic death led to significant legal and social changes. Her family and friends continue to honor her memory, emphasizing the need for accountability, justice, and reform.
Every February 24, her loved ones gather at a memorial site near Archer’s Creek, releasing lanterns and sharing memories of Mallory’s kindness, love for animals, and bright spirit.
Though her life was cut short, Mallory’s story continues to impact South Carolina and beyond, reminding the world of the dangers of reckless behavior, privilege in the legal system, and the pursuit of justice.
