Passages: Remembering Benny Liang, Former Swimming World Intern and Carmel Swim Club Coach

by Dan D'Addona — Swimming World Managing Editor

28 July 2020, 11:19am

Benny Liang was always in involved in swimming. He was a college swimmer, later a coach — even an intern at Swimming World.

Liang was an intern at Swimming World in 2017, writing several articles for this publication.

Most recently a part-time swimming coach at Carmel Swim Club, Liang drowned in a local pool on July 20 at age 22.

According to reports, Liang was found at the Woodland Country Club, unresponsive at the bottom of the pool. Country club employees tried to resuscitate him until the Carmel police and fire departments arrived, but were not able to.

Liang had been a part-time swim coach with Carmel Swim Club since September 2019. He is originally from Whitewater, Wisconsin, and swam at Wabash College.

“It has been a difficult week grieving the loss of Benny Liang. Benny embodied courage, perseverance and team not only in his coaching, but in the way he lived,” Carmel Swim Club head coach Chris Plumb told Current. “It is with the deepest gratitude we remember his contributions to our lives and thank him for inspiring us all to live each day to the fullest.”

Benny Liang. Photo Courtesy: Wabash Athletics

Police said foul play is not suspected. A death investigation is underway.

Wabash College sent News 8 a statement saying in part, “Benny was a very bright and outgoing young man. He was an active member of Delta Tau Delta and competed for two years on the college’s swimming and diving team. It is a tragic loss for everyone.”

According to reports, the Hamilton County Coroner’s office conducted an autopsy on July 22 and the results are pending. The toxicology report results are pending as well and could take 4-6 weeks.

Friends and family are honoring Benny Liang by donating to the American Heart Association. Donations can be made here.