Cedric Hilton Death – A fishing trip in the New Branch Community took a devastating turn when an aluminum boat overturned in a pond off Highway 178 on Thursday, January 23, 2025.
First responders arrived to find 33-year-old Eryc Bobbitt clinging to the boat in the middle of the pond. Bobbitt, who was showing signs of severe hypothermia, was rescued and is expected to recover.
Tragically, his fishing companion, 35-year-old Cedric Hilton, did not survive. Emergency personnel recovered Hilton’s body shortly after arriving, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities noted that the water temperature, estimated to be in the low 30s, created life-threatening conditions for anyone exposed for an extended period.
The circumstances leading to the boat’s overturning remain under investigation, though officials stress the dangers of cold water and the importance of wearing life jackets while boating.
The community mourns the loss of Cedric Hilton, a beloved member of the area. Friends and family are rallying to support each other through this difficult time.