A man lost his life at O-Tech Beach in Kailua-Kona this past Sunday. The Hawai‘i Police Department is investigating the incident. A report from Nixle described the man, who has not yet been identified, as a Caucasian male in his 30s.
Authorities were notified after 5:30 p.m. when the man, who had been with two others near the beach's restrooms, fell into the water and began struggling. Large waves swept him away from shore, and despite his companions' efforts to assist him in returning to safety, the man was unable to overcome the force of the ocean.
Search and rescue teams from the Hawai‘i Fire Department arrived at the scene and conducted a search, locating the victim, who had already been pulled from the surf. The body was transported to Honokōhau Harbor and then taken to Kona Community Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.
A coroner’s inquest investigation is ongoing, with an autopsy scheduled to determine the exact circumstances of the man's death. The police are seeking information to help clarify the details of the incident. Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact Kona Patrol Officer Sarha Reich at the department’s non-emergency number, (808) 935-3311, or by email at [email protected].
