Hilo man drowns in Wailuku River

An East Hawaii man died Saturday after jumping into the Wailuku River in Hilo.

Police identified him as 23-year-old Hilo resident Joseph Tancredi.

South Hilo patrol officers responded to a 6:30 p.m. report of a drowning in an area of the river just above Rainbow Falls.

Tancredi’s acquaintances were attempting to revive him with CPR when officers arrived. He had reportedly jumped into a tide pool about 1/8-mile from the river bank and been held under water by white wash for about two minutes, according to the Hawaii Police Department.

Fire Department personnel took him by helicopter to Hilo Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 8:17 p.m.

Police do not suspect foul play. They have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.