Coroner identifies drowning victim

A Philadelphia-area man lost his life on Sunday while swimming at Beltzville Lake.

Emergency crews were called to the boat rental area of the lake shortly after 2 p.m. for a possible drowning.

Carbon County Coroner Robert Miller said this morning that the victim was Xin Huang, 29.

Miller said Huang was at Beltzville with his family and went out to a floating toy to help a child.

He couldn’t swim and didn’t realize how the lake drops off, Miller said.

Miller said there was a language barrier but a relative of Huang interpreted for them.

The child was returned safely to shore.

Alma Holmes, Beltzville State Park manager, said Monday, “Our hearts go out to the family.”

Franklin Township and Lehighton fire companies with crews and Lehighton’s dive team were at the scene.

A search was conducted of the water and Huang’s body was found around 3 p.m. toward the breast of the dam.