Mohammed Kargarian Obituary, Death; Elderly Charlotte man identified as body recovered from South Carolina river.

Mohammed Kargarian Obituary, Death – An elderly man from Charlotte, North Carolina, who was found dead in a South Carolina river last week, has been formally identified. Authorities confirmed that the body recovered belongs to 70-year-old Mohammed Kargarian.

The discovery was made on Wednesday, August 6, when reports came in around noon of a body floating in the Catawba River near the Chester-Lancaster County line. This location sits along the border between the two counties, with the river flowing beneath the Highway 9 bridge. Witnesses saw the body drifting in the water, prompting an immediate multi-agency response.

Local authorities, supported by search crews using both boats and drones, conducted a thorough sweep of the river. The operation lasted close to an hour before Kargarian’s body was located at approximately 1 p.m. It was found resting against the riverbank on the Lancaster County side, just south of the bridge. Officials noted that the recovery effort was complicated by the river’s current and terrain, but teamwork between agencies ensured the safe retrieval of the body.

Following the recovery, the Lancaster County Coroner’s Office conducted an autopsy to determine the cause of death. The examination revealed no signs of visible trauma to the body, leading investigators to conclude that foul play was not suspected. While this finding ruled out certain criminal possibilities, it left many unanswered questions about the events leading to Kargarian’s death.

Authorities have yet to determine how Kargarian entered the Catawba River. There were no immediate witnesses to his entering the water, and the exact timeline of events remains unclear. Law enforcement has not released further details about his last known movements or whether he was reported missing prior to the discovery.

The recovery of Kargarian’s body brought together several local and regional emergency response teams, showcasing the collaborative approach often required in cases involving large or hazardous waterways. The swift identification of the victim allowed officials to notify his family and begin piecing together the circumstances surrounding his final hours.

While the investigation continues, officials emphasized that the lack of visible injuries does not automatically explain the cause of death. Additional testing, including toxicology reports, may provide more clarity in the coming weeks. Such tests can reveal whether factors such as alcohol, medication, or a medical condition may have contributed to the incident.

For now, the case remains an active inquiry, with authorities urging anyone who might have seen or had contact with Kargarian in the days leading up to August 6 to come forward. Their accounts could help fill in the missing details and provide closure for the family.

The Catawba River, while a scenic and popular area for recreation, has also been the site of previous drownings and water-related emergencies, underscoring the potential dangers of swift currents and changing water conditions. Officials continue to advise caution for anyone near or on the water.

Kargarian’s death, while not considered suspicious, remains a somber reminder of the unpredictability of nature and the unanswered questions that sometimes accompany such tragedies.