Boat Ramp Where Susan Smith Drowned Sons To Be Dismantled

The boat ramp where Susan Smith drowned her two little boys will be dismantled, state officials decided Friday, partly because seven visitors to the boys’ memorial died when their car slid into the lake.

As many as 900 people a week visit John D. Long Lake, most to lay flowers or pray, and the September drownings put pressure on the state Natural Resources Department to make it safer.

Other changes include building a guardrail between the parking area and the shore, posting specific hours of operation and improving police patrols.

Another proposal still under consideration is to move the memorials to 3-year-old Michael and 14-month-old Alex away from the water.

The boys drowned in October 1994 when Smith, distraught over a love affair, released the brake on her car and let it roll down the boat ramp.