By Elyssa Parnell

eparnell@civitasmedia.com

By Andrew Wigger

awigger@civitasmedia.com

Henry Lee Brooks, 66, was reported missing after the car he borrowed was found abandoned early Monday morning on Black’s Bridge on S.C. 391. Divers found his body late Tuesday afternoon.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/web1_user20581-1438697733-media1.jpgHenry Lee Brooks, 66, was reported missing after the car he borrowed was found abandoned early Monday morning on Black’s Bridge on S.C. 391. Divers found his body late Tuesday afternoon.

PROSPERITY — The body of a 66-year-old Prosperity man was pulled from Lake Murray on Tuesday afternoon near the area he went missing.

Henry Lee Brooks was reported missing after the car he borrowed was found abandoned early Monday morning on Black’s Bridge on S.C. 391.

Late Tuesday afternoon, Sheriff Lee Foster announced that Brooks’ body had been found in the lake.

“It is always tragic to have a situation end like this,” said Foster. “I join all public safety and the community in offering our condolences, thoughts, and prayers to the family.

“I would also like to take a moment to commend all of the public safety personnel who worked so long and hard during this search,” said Foster. “We certainly prayed that this situation would end differently, but we would all be remiss if we did not acknowledge the efforts of those who worked so hard.”

Foster said that no foul play was suspected in the death, but that an autopsy would be performed as a matter of protocol.

Investigators believe that the vehicle was abandoned either late Sunday night or early Monday morning.

Emergency Services from Newberry and Saluda counties along with S.C. Department of Natural Resources and Lexington County Sheriff’s Office helped with the search.

“The keys were found to still be in the car, as well as Mr. Brooks’ wallet. However, his cell phone was not located,” Foster said. “Black’s Bridge is a heavily travelled bridge, it is the main access to Saluda.”

As part of the investigatory process, the Newberry County Water Rescue Team and DNR were called in to perform a diving operation around the bridge. Assisting in the operation were units from Saluda County, DNR and the Lexington County Lake Patrol.

Deputies also searched areas where Brooks was known to frequent and interviewed family and friends.

Reach Elyssa Parnell at 803-276-0625, ext. 1868, or on Twitter @TheNBOnews. Reach Andrew Wigger at 803-276-0625, ext. 1867, or on Twitter @TheNBOnews.