Bibin Michael dies in fatal Tobyhanna Township drowning

Bibin Michael dies in fatal Tobyhanna Township drowning

Fatal Tobyhanna Township drowning death of Bibin Michael – Obituary

A kayaking trip on Lake Kathryn in the Poconos ended in tragedy Sunday when 40-year-old Bibin Michael from New Jersey drowned after attempting to help others in distress. Emergency crews responded around 12:30 p.m. to the 100 block of Sir Bradford Road in Tobyhanna Township, Monroe County, following a report of a possible drowning.

Initial reports indicated that two individuals had fallen into the lake. One managed to return to shore before rescuers arrived. The Pocono Mountain Regional Police Department and the Tobyhanna Township Fire Department, along with multiple dive teams, were dispatched to the scene.

Divers located Michael’s body at the bottom of the lake within minutes, but officials noted he had been submerged for several hours. He was not wearing a life jacket at the time.

According to the Monroe County Coroner’s Office, Michael was pronounced dead at the scene at 3:35 p.m. An autopsy is scheduled, and the exact cause and manner of death are pending.

Police later revealed that roughly 20 individuals had been staying at a short-term rental home nearby. Two of them entered the lake in a kayak provided by the rental and were both wearing life vests. After about 10 minutes on the water, sudden strong winds caused the kayak to overturn.

As the two struggled in the water, other family members witnessed the incident and heard cries for help. Michael entered the lake in an attempt to rescue them, but he disappeared beneath the surface about halfway between the kayak and shore.

Assistant Fire Chief Edward Tutrone emphasized the importance of life jackets, stating, “If he had a life jacket on, we wouldn’t be here today.”

Local resident Al Huff, who lives in the nearby Camelot Forest community, expressed his shock at the incident. He had been walking his dog earlier and noticed the kayak and a few boats on the lake, unaware of the unfolding emergency.

Authorities believe the 58-degree water contributed to the tragedy. “The water temperature is really low. Hypothermia sets in really quick,” said Assistant Chief Tutrone.

Huff noted that the area is usually busy during Memorial Day weekend but said this incident will leave a lasting impact on the community.

This remains an active investigation, and further updates will be provided as they become available.