CARSON CITY, Nev. — A 20-year-old IU student died after drowning in Lake Tahoe in Nevada on Sunday.
The Carson City Sheriff’s Office identified the man as Owen McDonough.
McDonough was an incoming junior studying Sports Media.
According to the sheriff’s office, dispatch received a 911 call around 2:15 p.m. on Sunday reporting that a person was drowning. Upon arriving at the scene, the North Tahoe Fire Department found McDonough struggling in the water.
Investigators learned McDonough was swimming with friends was overcome by rough waters before disappearing under the surface.
Several efforts were made to resuscitate McDonough but were unfortunately unsuccessful.
IU Media School Dean David Tolchinsky shared an email with Media School faculty and students, writing:
“[McDonough’s] classmates and professors remember him as kind, passionate, and a talented broadcaster and writer. I know you will all join me as we at The Media School extend our deepest condolences to Owen’s family and friends.”
According to a GoFundMe created to raise money for his funeral, he had plans to commentate the Indiana University Club Hockey team games during the upcoming school year. As of Wednesday afternoon, the GoFundMe raised over $16-thousand.
The IU Hockey team has responded to the tragedy in a recent post on X:
Indiana hockey mourns the loss of student broadcaster and friend, Owen McDonough. Owen helped with pregame, postgame, intermission shows, as well as media tech and color commentary this past season. He will be greatly missed.❤️🕊️
The link to the GoFundMe is in our bio. pic.twitter.com/FTUnBAqQnp
— Hockey at Indiana University (@Hockey_IU) July 30, 2024
CCSO said that McDonough was not wearing a personal flotation device and no alcohol was involved.
Counseling and support services are available to the IU community at Counseling and Psychological Services, (812) 855-5711 and virtually.
