Hawai‘i Island police are investigating a possible drowning involving 59-year-old Stacy Coon who was visiting from Oroville, California.

On June 22, police responded to a report of a swimmer in distress at Whittington Beach Park. Witnesses reported seeing Coon swimming in the ocean 40 yards from shore when she began yelling for help. Several bystanders entered the water and brought her to shore and began CPR until first responders arrived on scene.

Despite resuscitative efforts, Coon remained unresponsive and was later pronounced deceased at Ka‘ū Hospital.

An autopsy is being requested to determine the exact cause of death.

Police ask anyone with information regarding this incident to contact Ka‘ū Patrol Officer Taylor Au at (808) 939-2520.