A New Jersey resident was found deceased after his Tesla was discovered submerged in a lake in Pennsylvania on July 3, 2025.
Wen H. Chen, 33, from Princeton, New Jersey, was found inside his Tesla after a kayaker noticed the vehicle several hundred feet from the shore of Lake Luxembourg, located in Core Creek Park, Middletown Township, Pennsylvania. The kayaker notified emergency services at 4:27 p.m.
Rescue teams arrived promptly, locating the Tesla about 300 feet from the boat ramp near the intersection of Tollgate and Fulling Mill roads. The Bucks County Rangers used a boat from George School, which was already at the park, to access the submerged car swiftly.
Chief Frank Farry of the Langhorne-Middletown Fire Company oversaw the recovery, which persisted into Thursday night. Farry remarked that the recovery was a “long and extensive operation” within the county park.
Various emergency agencies assisted, including Middletown Township police, Pennsylvania State Police, and several local fire companies.
Bucks County Coroner Patricia Campi described the situation as atypical. She informed Daily Voice, “A rowing coach reported a vehicle submerged with its windows up.” Rescue personnel confirmed that some doors and windows were open upon arrival.
The Tesla’s roof was visible under the water approximately 100 feet from the boat ramp. Chen had communicated with his wife that morning, indicating the car had not been submerged for an extended period.
Nearby business security cameras captured the Tesla traveling toward the lake earlier on July 3. Police are also reviewing data and footage from the car’s built-in cameras as part of their investigation.
A dog accompanying Chen survived. The animal was found wandering near the dock area before the submerged vehicle was located.
An autopsy on Chen was conducted on Saturday, July 6, but authorities await test results to ascertain the cause of death. The coroner’s office has not confirmed if drowning was involved.
Pennsylvania State Police and Bucks County Park Rangers are conducting the investigation. They are examining security footage and analyzing information from the Tesla’s computer system. Coroner’s office spokesperson Scott Croop stated, “Everything is still pending” concerning the investigation.
The Tesla was found with its windows down, potentially due to an automatic safety feature activated upon submersion, designed to facilitate escape.
Lake Luxembourg, a 175-acre man-made lake within the 1,200-acre Core Creek Park, was formed by damming Core Creek and offers swimming, fishing, and boating activities.
Heavy rain and thunderstorms on July 3 impeded the immediate extraction of the Tesla from the lake, delaying recovery efforts.
Authorities are working to determine whether Chen’s death was accidental or intentional.
The incident has raised concerns within the community about safety at the popular recreational area, known for its outdoor activities and serene lake setting.
