Petition for Presumption of Death in the matter of Lonnie Lee Hill, III

We, the natural parents of Lonnie Lee Hill, III, pray and petition this court, or the appropriate legislative body, to approve our petition for the Presumption of Death that we have brought before your today. Furthermore, we petition this court to order the South Carolina Department of Vital Records for an affirmative response to create and release the death certificate of Lonnie Lee Hill, III.

We ask for this relief in order for his natural parents, Lonnie Lee Hill, Jr, and Sabrina Yolanda Darden-Hill, to complete the administrative actions required by attaining his death certificate in order to receive the much-needed financial assistance.

Additionally, we further petition that this court will not require a personal appearance due to the following:

1. Natural Father’s medical condition – Father is medically disable due to being diagnosed with ESRD, and he requires kidney dialysis several times a week for four (4) hour treatments – Please see medical statement attesting to his medical condition
2. Father does not drive due to the loss of his left eye. Father cannot drive long distances due to this condition. Please see medical statement attesting to this condition
3. Father cannot walk long distances due to the condition of his feet. His left foot is permanently broken in several places, trauma he suffered due to the instance that he lost his son. Please see medical statement attesting to this condition
4. Natural mother MS and the trip would be difficult for her health. Please see medical condition attesting to this statement
5. Due to expensive medical bills, the family has limited financial resources at this time

The following documents are attached to serve as evidence to the written statements:



This is the facts as we know and attest to in this petition, Lonnie Hill III was swimming in the ocean in the Garden City area of Horry County. There are at least five (5) credible witnesses who observed Lonnie III, disappear under the water and not return. The water was very rough due to the strength of the wind. Witnesses who were with Lonnie III, stated he told them he could not swim. Then they noticed he was in trouble and observed him going under water. There was a search using the resources previously mentioned and referenced to in this petition. The search utilized resources from land, sea, and air support. A NCIC message was sent to all coastal counties in North and South Carolina with a description of Lonnie III, and contact information if anyone locates a missing person.

To this date, the missing individual’s body, and/or person, has not been located. The missing individual has not been located or found for nine tears and one month. IAW S.C. Code Ann. § 62-1-507(4)) A person’s death may also be presumed if that person has been, absent continuously for five years.