Full Notification

Hawai‘i Police Department
Kona Patrol
Lieutenant Erich Jackson
Phone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 253
Report No.: 25-001541

Media Release

The Hawai‘i Police Department is investigating a possible drowning that occurred at O-Tech Beach in Kailua-Kona late Sunday afternoon, January 5, 2025. The victim, an unidentified Caucasian man, appeared to be in his early to late 30s.

Kona patrol officers responded shortly after 5:30 p.m. on Sunday to a report of a swimmer in distress at O-Tech Beach. It was reported that three men, including the victim, were near the bathrooms at O-Tech Beach when the man fell into the water and due to the large waves, was not able to return to land.

The two unidentified men with him were observed trying to coach him back to land; however, the victim could not swim back to shore. Hawai‘i Fire Department rescue personnel arrived on the scene and conducted a search, locating the victim, who had no signs of life and transported him to Honokōhau Harbor via a boat. 

The unidentified man was then transported to the Kona Community Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.

Police have initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation and ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact Kona Patrol Officer Sarha Reich at the police department’s non-emergency number (808) 935-3311 or via email at [email protected].