Visitor fatality in waters off Kauapea Beach
LĪHU‘E – A visitor died Tuesday afternoon after being pulled from waters at Kauapea Beach, also known as Secret Beach in Kīlauea.
On Tuesday, Oct. 22, at approximately 11:15 a.m., first responders were dispatched to Kauapea Beach for an unresponsive swimmer. Bystanders initially administered CPR on the victim. Shortly after, Kaua‘i Fire Department (KFD) personnel with the Hanalei Fire Station responded, utilizing an AED and the Lucas device. KFD crews then transported the victim to medics, who took over advanced resuscitation efforts. The victim was transported to the Sameul Mahelona Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The victim has been identified as a 62-year-old male visitor from New York.
An autopsy is pending to determine the exact cause of death, but foul play is not suspected.
Kauapea Beach is not a lifeguarded beach and the public is urged to use caution if getting in the water. However, officials strongly recommended only swimming at beaches that have lifeguards.
Volunteers with Life’s Bridges, a grief counseling service, were contacted to offer support to the victim’s family.
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