Florida Man Finds Clemson Ring on Beach, Sparks Unexpected Bond with South Carolina Graduate
SOUTH CAROLINA – A simple beach walk with a metal detector turned into a life-changing connection between a Florida family and a South Carolina graduate after a long-lost Clemson class ring was discovered buried in the sand.
On July 5, Larry Soncrant was scanning the shore of Daytona Beach with his metal detector when he came across a glint beneath the sand. It was a 2023 Clemson University class ring — and it would soon lead to a new friendship that neither side ever expected.
The Discovery of a Lifetime
Larry, a Palatka resident and hobbyist treasure hunter, had taken up metal detecting six years ago, often finding little more than bottle caps. But on that day, just 50 steps into his search, a strong signal led him to uncover the ring — a find he now calls his best ever.
“I don’t know what the drive was, but it was there,” Larry said of his determination that day. Unlike most of his finds, this one had a clear clue: a full name engraved on the inside.
Rather than pocket it, Larry felt compelled to find its rightful owner. “I told Shirley I’ve got to find this girl,” he said, referring to his wife. Thus began a monthlong search through Facebook, Instagram, and email accounts — a digital detective journey supported by his 22-year-old daughter.
Weeks of Searching, Then a Breakthrough
Days turned into weeks with no replies, and Larry started to fear the worst — not just for the ring, but for the person it belonged to.
“Like something happened to her. She was family to me,” he recalled.
Finally, a reply came.
Caroline Crowe, a 24-year-old South Carolina resident and recent Clemson graduate, had just checked her email and was stunned to find messages about her ring. She had removed it while at the beach on July 4 — just one day before Larry found it.
“Honestly, the whole story was insane,” Crowe said. “I never thought I’d see it again.”
A Personal Reunion in Charleston
Larry’s only request? That he could hand-deliver the ring himself — no money, no reward, just the chance to meet her. Crowe responded with an invitation to Charleston.
Without hesitation, Larry and Shirley drove from Palatka to South Carolina for the reunion. “We met at a restaurant, and we walk in the door and she just stands up,” Shirley said. “She gave Larry this big hug. It was like she was family.”
The moment was unforgettable. For Larry — who finds about one ring for every 500 bottle caps — the emotional reward far outweighed the rarity of the discovery.
“When it comes to metal detecting, Caroline is the best thing I’ve ever found,” he said.
From Lost Item to Lifelong Connection
What began as a chance encounter has turned into something lasting. Crowe has since invited the Soncrants to her wedding — and the answer from Larry was simple: “We’ll be there.”
Their story is a reminder that even in today’s digital world, a lost object, a little determination, and a kind heart can create bonds that span states and last a lifetime.
If stories of kindness and connection inspire you, follow more heartwarming news at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
