If you have spent time in the Murrells Inlet marsh during the last 10 months, you may have spotted a bright red canoe with a laminated photo of a man with an eye patch and a note taped to the seat.
“Hi I’m Jeff. And I love this inlet. I am no longer on this earth, but I will always live in this inlet. If I need a push, help me out. If I have water in, please tip me over and let it out. Thanks, Jeff,” the note says.
Jeff Hildebrand, who moved to Murrells Inlet from Danville, Pennsylvania, to escape the frigid winters and live along the peaceful tides, died in August 2025 at 73 years old. His best friend and neighbor, Chad Hovis, wanted to memorialize Hildebrand’s love for the inlet by writing the note and setting his canoe free in the marsh last October…