Search Continues for S.C. National Guard Sergeant Who Went Missing While Tubing: 'Saddened Beyond Words'
"It’s been a whole lot to take in," said Porsha Griffin's mom
Authorities in South Carolina are continuing to search for a National Guard sergeant who went missing while tubing at a lake over Memorial Day weekend.
The victim has been identified as National Guard Staff Sgt. Porsha Griffin, NBC affiliate WYFF, Fox affiliate WHNS and CW affiliate WIS reported.
Griffin was tubing behind a boat on Lake Greenwood without a life jacket on Saturday, May 25, and didn't resurface, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) posted on X (formerly known as Twitter). They added that authorities responded the same day and that divers were dispatched.
According to WHNS, Griffin went tubing with three other people, with authorities confirming to the outlet that the others were safe.
On Friday, May 31, the SCDNR provided an update on the ongoing search, posting on X, "Our officers, investigators and divers will be on scene conducting surface searches, utilizing side scan sonar and dives."
"Over the last few days, we have also flown our airplane to assist in surface searches and brought in cadaver dogs," the department added. "Recovery efforts began Saturday afternoon following an incident where a woman went under after tubing. Our priority remains to bring closure to her family."
The SCDNR and the South Carolina National Guard did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's requests for comments.
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Griffin's commander, Col. Linda Riedel, said in a statement obtained by WIS that the South Carolina National Guard is "saddened beyond words."
“We’ll continue to pray the search for her yields answers for all who care about her, as well as for peace for her daughter and extended family," she added.
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Amicka Griffin, Porsha's mom, told WHNS that she was "hysterically shocked" when authorities told her that her daughter was missing. "It’s been a whole lot to take in," she added.
Porsha, who is also the mom of a 9-year-old girl, had just received her degree in nursing in December, according to the outlet.
Her mom added, "She was that supportive person [that you] could call on for anything."
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