A 65-year-old Keaʻau man died after drowning in the Kapoho area of Puna.

On February 27, Puna patrol officers and Hawai‘i County Fire Department personnel responded to the makai side of Kalapana-Kapoho Beach Road after receiving a report of a person who had fallen into the ocean while picking opihi and was heard calling for help.

Rescue personnel located the man in the water being carried by strong currents, brought him to shore, and initiated CPR. He was then transported to Hilo Benioff Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

Police have initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation to determine the exact cause of death. The victim’s identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. No foul play is suspected at this time.

Police ask anyone with information about this incident to contact Puna Patrol Officer Johnathen Figueroa at (808) 935-3311 or by email at Johnathen.figueroa@hawaiipolice.gov.