NJ Man Drowns Rescuing Friends in PA Lake

Bibin Michael, a 40-year-old father from Norwood, New Jersey, drowned on May 25 while attempting to rescue two friends whose kayak capsized in strong winds at a rental property in the Camelot Forest neighborhood of Blakeslee, Pennsylvania. Approximately 20 people were staying at the property for the weekend when the accident occurred. The two kayakers, who were wearing life vests, clung to their overturned vessel and called for help. Michael, jumping in without a life jacket, disappeared underwater halfway to them, and his body was later recovered by a police diver. Authorities ruled his death an accidental drowning. Michael, a former nurse manager and active community leader, is survived by his wife and three children, and has been remembered for his compassion and selflessness.