The Untold Story Of Anthony Cook: 5 Shocking Facts About The Murdaugh Boat Crash Survivor And Where He Is Now In South Carolina

The name Anthony Cook is inextricably linked to one of the most tragic and high-profile legal sagas in modern South Carolina history: the Murdaugh family's downfall. As of December 11, 2025, Anthony Cook is not just a survivor of the fatal 2019 boat crash that claimed the life of his girlfriend, Mallory Beach; he is a key figure whose testimony and civil actions helped expose the extent of the powerful Murdaugh family's alleged attempts to cover up the truth. His journey from a college student reeling from a catastrophic loss to a private citizen rebuilding his life in Hampton, South Carolina, provides a powerful human counterpoint to the sensational criminal case. This article delves into the essential facts about Anthony Cook, exploring his biography, his pivotal role in the boat crash investigation, the current status of the civil litigation, and his successful transition to a quiet life as a husband, father, and business owner in the Lowcountry. The details reveal a man who stood firm against immense pressure, ensuring the truth about that tragic night near Parris Island finally came to light.

Anthony Cook: Biography and The Night That Changed Everything

The story of Anthony Cook’s life took a dramatic turn on the night of February 24, 2019. Before that date, he was a young man with a future, but the fatal boat crash involving the Murdaugh family's son, Paul Murdaugh, forever altered his path.

• Full Name: Keith Anthony Cook (often referred to as Anthony Cook)
• Education: Attended the University of South Carolina (USC) and graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice.
• Relationship: Was the boyfriend of Mallory Beach, the young woman who was killed in the boat crash.
• The Incident: On February 24, 2019, Anthony Cook was a passenger on a boat allegedly driven by an intoxicated Paul Murdaugh. The boat crashed into a bridge piling near Parris Island, South Carolina, resulting in the death of Mallory Beach and injuries to the other passengers.
• Key Witness: Anthony Cook was the most consistent and vocal witness who immediately identified Paul Murdaugh as the operator of the boat at the time of the crash, a crucial detail the Murdaugh family allegedly tried to obscure.
• Current Residence: Hampton, South Carolina.
• Current Status: Married, a father, and a business owner.

The Pivotal Role of Anthony Cook in the Murdaugh Investigation

Anthony Cook was not just a survivor; he was a central pillar in the subsequent criminal and civil cases that ultimately led to the exposure of the Murdaugh family's decades of corruption and power abuse. His courage to speak out against one of South Carolina’s most influential legal dynasties is a defining aspect of his story.

The Testimony That Defied a Dynasty

Immediately following the tragic boat crash, Anthony Cook was unwavering in his account to law enforcement. He repeatedly stated that Paul Murdaugh was driving the boat when it struck the R.C. Tilton Trestle bridge piling. This testimony was critical because of the alleged attempts by the Murdaugh family to shift the blame, including claims that Cook himself or his cousin, Connor Cook, might have been the driver. His insistence on the truth, even while suffering from his own injuries and the trauma of losing Mallory Beach, was a stark contrast to the initial actions of the powerful family. The Murdaugh family's alleged efforts to manipulate the investigation, including leveraging connections with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), were widely reported, but Cook's statement remained a consistent counter-narrative. The details of the crash, including the consumption of alcohol by the minors involved, were central to the eventual indictment of Paul Murdaugh on three felony counts, including boating under the influence.

The Lawsuit and The $18 Million Settlement

Following the crash, Anthony Cook, along with the family of Mallory Beach, Renee Beach, and other survivors like Morgan Doughty and Miley Altman, filed multiple civil lawsuits. Anthony Cook’s individual lawsuit targeted Alex Murdaugh and other entities, including the convenience store Parker's Kitchen, for their alleged roles in the tragedy. While the details of each individual settlement are often confidential, public records and media reports confirm that the lawsuits related to the boat crash have largely concluded. The Murdaugh boat crash settlement saw an agreement reached for a total of $18 million for all plaintiffs involved. Specifically, the family of Mallory Beach received a $15 million settlement in their wrongful death case against Parker's Kitchen and the Murdaugh estate. The conclusion of these civil cases, which also involved the dismissal of lawsuits filed by Connor Cook against key defendants, marks a significant step toward closure for the survivors and the Beach family. The lawsuits served a powerful purpose beyond financial compensation; they were a relentless mechanism that helped expose the Murdaugh family’s financial malfeasance and abuse of power, which ultimately contributed to Alex Murdaugh's murder trial.

Where is Anthony Cook Now? Rebuilding a Life in Hampton, SC

In the years since the 2019 tragedy and the subsequent media firestorm surrounding the Murdaugh case, Anthony Cook has successfully pivoted away from the legal spotlight to focus on his personal and professional life. His current situation is a testament to his resilience and determination to move forward.

A Husband, A Father, A Business Owner

Anthony Cook now resides in Hampton, South Carolina, a community not far from the site of the crash but a world away from the intense media scrutiny. He has successfully established a new life, getting married and becoming a father. This focus on family life indicates a strong desire for stability and privacy after years of public trauma. Professionally, Cook is a successful entrepreneur. He owns and operates A+ Land Services, LLC, a company that specializes in land management and property maintenance. This move into a hands-on, local business reflects a grounded approach to life, contrasting sharply with the drama and legal complexities of the Murdaugh saga. The establishment of his own business demonstrates a commitment to rebuilding his future on his own terms.

The Enduring Legacy of the Boat Crash

While Anthony Cook has moved on, the boat crash remains a crucial point of reference in South Carolina's legal and social history. The depositions and court filings from the civil case, including Anthony Cook's consistent account, provided key evidence and narrative threads that were later woven into the public's understanding of the Murdaugh family's criminal enterprise. His role as a survivor who refused to be silenced solidified his reputation as a figure of integrity in the saga. The fact that he was one of the few individuals who stood up to the Murdaugh power structure from the very beginning is a critical part of the boat crash's enduring legacy. His story is a powerful reminder of how a single tragic event can unravel decades of entrenched power and privilege. The ongoing public interest, often fueled by true-crime podcasts like the *Impact of Influence* and various documentaries, ensures that the names of Mallory Beach and Anthony Cook will remain significant figures in the modern history of South Carolina.