The Disappearance of Donaven Dempsey

Name: Donaven Dempsey
Age: 18 years old
Last Seen: May 8, 2025
Location: Columbia, South Carolina
Status: Found deceased on May 25, 2025

Case Information

18 year old Donaven Dempsey was last seen in Columbia, South Carolina on May 8, 2025. Donaven disappeared after returning to Columbia from his hometown of Spartanburg.

Disappearance

On May 8, 2025, Donaven Dempsey, a student at University of South Carolina, left his hometown of Spartanburg to return to school in Columbia, South Carolina. Since then Donaven has had no contact with loved ones.

Investigation

According to Donaven’s father, the last time he spoke with his son he was in an Uber headed to his girlfriend’s house in Spartanburg. When his father spoke to the girlfriend an hour later she said he wasn’t with her and was unable to track his phone anymore, as Donaven had turned off his phone and was not receiving calls anymore.

According to Donaven’s Uber account, Donaven got a ride back to Columbia rather than going to his girlfriend’s house. The account shows he was dropped off at Columbia hall dorm on the USC Columbia campus at 6:16 pm on May 8, 2025.

The last known transaction is when his debit card was used at the McDonald’s on Gervais Street.

On May 23, 2025, police released new information, stating that he was last seen on March 8 walking on Hampton Street toward West Columbia.

Donaven lost his mother two years ago, and may be struggling with the loss, especially with the anniversary being near Mother’s Day.

Donaven Dempsey Found Deceased

On May 25, 2025, the body of Donaven Dempsey was found in the Congaree River. The Columbia Police Department say that no foul play is suspected in his death, though the case remains under investigation.

Appearance

Donaven has black hair, brown eyes, stands 5’8 tall, and weighs 180 pounds.

Clothing & Accessories:
Donaven was last seen wearing a gray hoodie with neon green inner lining on the hood, a white shirt, black pants, and white high-top Air Force Ones.

Investigating Agency

If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Donaven Dempsey please contact the Columbia Police Department at (803) 545-3500, or Crime Stoppers of South Carolina at (888) CRIME-SC.

Resources & Further Information

Missing USC Student from Spartanburg, South Carolina, Police Say – WYFF
‘We Love You’ – Family of Missing USC Student Speaks Out – ABC25
USC’s Donaven Dempsey Last Seen in Columbia After Trip from Spartanburg – News19
Desperate Search Underway for Missing USC Student – Fox57