A man from Princeton, New Jersey, was found dead after his Tesla was discovered submerged in a lake in Pennsylvania on July 3, 2025.
Wen H. Chen, aged 33, was located inside his Tesla after a kayaker spotted the vehicle several hundred feet from the shore in Lake Luxembourg at Core Creek Park in Middletown Township, Pennsylvania. Authorities were alerted at 4:27 p.m. when the kayaker contacted 911 regarding the submerged car.
Emergency response teams arrived promptly, finding the Tesla approximately 300 feet from the boat ramp near Tollgate and Fulling Mill roads. Bucks County Rangers utilized a boat from George School that was already present at the park to access the submerged vehicle swiftly.
Langhorne-Middletown Fire Company Chief Frank Farry headed the recovery operation, which extended into Thursday night. Farry described the task as a “long and extensive operation” within the county park.
Various emergency agencies assisted in the recovery, including Middletown Township Police, Pennsylvania State Police, and multiple local fire companies.
Bucks County Coroner Patricia Campi remarked on the unusual nature of the discovery. She told Daily Voice that “A rowing coach reported a vehicle submerged with its windows up.” Emergency crews, however, found some doors and windows open upon arriving at the vehicle.
The roof of the Tesla was visible under the water about 100 feet from the boat ramp. Chen had communicated with his wife that morning, indicating the car had not been underwater for a lengthy period.
Security cameras from nearby establishments recorded the Tesla heading towards the lake earlier on July 3. Police also obtained data and video from the car’s built-in cameras to assist their investigation.
A dog accompanying Chen survived the event. The animal was discovered alive earlier that day, wandering near the dock area before the submerged Tesla was located.
An autopsy on Chen was conducted on Saturday, July 6, but officials are still awaiting test results to ascertain the cause of death. The coroner’s office has not yet confirmed if Chen drowned.
Pennsylvania State Police and Bucks County Park Rangers are investigating the occurrence. They are reviewing all security footage and analyzing data stored in the Tesla’s computer system. Coroner’s office spokesman Scott Croop stated, “Everything is still pending” regarding the investigation.
The Tesla was found with its windows down, which may have been caused by an automatic safety feature that activates when a car enters water. This feature is intended to aid occupants in escaping a submerged vehicle.
Lake Luxembourg is a 175-acre man-made lake within the 1,200-acre Core Creek Park. The lake was formed by constructing a dam on Core Creek and offers visitors swimming, fishing, and boating opportunities.
Heavy rain and thunderstorms on July 3 made it challenging for crews to promptly recover the Tesla from the lake, delaying the operation.
Authorities are still investigating whether Chen’s death was accidental or if he intentionally drove into the lake.
The community has expressed concern about the incident at the popular recreational area. Core Creek Park is well-known among local families for its outdoor activities and tranquil lake setting.
