A New Jersey father drowned in a Pennsylvania lake on Sunday while trying to save two friends who were kayaking from a similar fate.
Bibin Michael, 40, of Norwood, dove into the lake to help the kayakers in distress around 12:30 p.m., according to the Pocono Mountain Regional Police. The small lake is located near Camelot Forest in Tobyhanna Township.
About 20 people were staying at a rental home when two adults wearing life vests went into the lake in a kayak. About 10 minutes later, the boat flipped over because of strong wind and both people fell into the water.
They tried to hold onto the boat and get back to the shore while calling for help. Michael tried to swim out to the kayak to help his friends, but disappeared under the water and did not resurface.
His body was recovered about three hours later by a dive team. The coroner pronounced him dead at the scene and ruled it accidental drowning.
“A true warrior with a heart full of kindness, Bibin left us too soon while performing a heroic act,” friend Vilas Jambula memorialized in a Facebook post. “He saved his friend from drowning in a lake. In that courageous effort, he sacrificed his own life. His bravery, selflessness, and unwavering commitment to others will never be forgotten.”
Michael owned a financial services company in Englewood Cliffs and formerly worked as a nurse manager. He leaves behind a wife and three kids.
