Kentucky man identified as Tahoe drowning victim

A 20-year-old died Sunday after drowning in Lake Tahoe.

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

McDonough’s family has been notified by the CCSO, coroner’s division, the release said. 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.

Whale Beach is a secluded beach of Lake Tahoe within Carson City limits. Placer County Emergency Dispatch received a 911 call at 5:15 p.m. The victim was swimming in Lake Tahoe and began to struggle, according to the Carson City Sheriff’s Office. He was brought to the beach after being underwater for several minutes.

A medical boat was dispatched and located the victim with a group of his friends. Medics from the North Tahoe Fire Department arrived and attempted resuscitating the victim. Despite their extensive efforts, the victim died.

The Carson City Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division and Coroner’s Office responded to complete the death investigation. The victim was transported to the Washoe County Medical Examiner’s Office for examination.

The name of the victim is being withheld until he is officially identified, and his family is notified.