A Lihue surfer died after bystanders found him unresponsive Sunday off Hanamaulu Beach Park, with his board nearby. The man was located about 25 yards offshore, prompting a rapid rescue effort in the waters east of Lihue.
According to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, first responders arrived at roughly 10:30 a.m. after the man was spotted in the water. Bystanders brought him to shore and performed CPR, while medics continued lifesaving measures before he was taken to Wilcox Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
Autopsy Pending In Hanamaulu Beach Death
Police had not publicly identified the man by Monday afternoon. An autopsy is pending to determine the official cause of death and any contributing factors, and police said there was no evidence suggesting foul play at this time.
Hanamaulu Beach Park is listed by the County of Kauai with picnic areas, a pavilion, comfort stations and playground equipment. The county's facilities directory does not label the park as lifeguarded, unlike Lydgate Park and several other Kauai beach facilities.
Recent Fatal Water Rescue Also Reported On Kauai
The death follows another fatal water rescue on Kauai in May. A 30-year-old Oklahoma man died after being pulled from waters off Moloa'a Beach, where bystanders performed CPR before medics transported him to Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital, according to a Kauai police release.
