Police ID man who apparently drowned in Hilo river

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Hawaii Island police on Thursday identified the man who apparently drowned Wednesday afternoon after jumping into Wailuku River in Hilo.

The 41-year-old man was identified as Alejandro Barrios Sr. of Orange, California, according to the Hawaii Police Department.

Barrios has been swimming near the third waterfall of an area in the river accessible from the 2000 block of Waianuenue Avenue when he appeared to be in distress. His family attempted to assist him to shore but were unsuccessful and called 911.

Fire/rescue personnel located his body on the river bottom, in about 30 feet of water, and extricated the man to shore with the use of a helicopter. Barrios was taken to Hilo Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 7:54 p.m.

Police have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. The case is classified as a coroner’s inquest.