Indiana University Student Drowns in Lake Tahoe

Source: Owen McDonough / GoFundMe

CARSON CITY, Nevada –Owen Joseph McDonough of Villa Hills, Kentucky has been positively identified as the victim of Sunday’s drowning at Whale Beach, according to the Carson City Sheriff’s Office.

Owen McDonough was a student in The Media School at Indiana University in Bloomington, working on a bachelor’s degree with a Concentration in Sports Media. Owen spent time on the media side of Indiana University Hockey, covering them in numerous ways during his time at IU.

McDonough was swimming with a group of friends at Whale Beach on the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe to offshore rocks about 5 p.m. when he was overcome by rough waters, the coroner said in a release. A medical boat was dispatched and located him with a group of his friends. Medics from the North Tahoe Fire Department arrived and attempted resuscitating McDonough. Despite their extensive efforts, McDonough died.

McDonough’s family has been notified by the CCSO, coroner’s division. McDonough was described by the family as an intermediate skilled swimmer.

McDonough was not wearing a personal flotation device. Alcohol does not appear to be a contributing factor.

A GoFundMe account has been established to help the family with funeral expenses.

GoFundMe: https://gofundme.com/f/owen-mcdonough-funeral-expenses