HILO — Police have not publicly identified a man whose body was found floating early Tuesday afternoon off the Hamakua Coast, but according to acquaintances, the man was 28-year-old Cole Hartzog.
Hartzog, a Louisiana native, was a relatively recent arrival to Hilo. Rhonda Nichols, owner of the Hilo Burger Joint, confirmed Hartzog was a former employee of the restaurant and bar.
“Our condolences go out to his family and friends,” she said.
News of Hartzog’s passing spread quickly via Facebook.
“He loved playing guitar and super smash brothers, among other things,” wrote one poster. “Rest in Peace Cole Hartzog.. wish we could have jammed out one last time.”
Another wrote that he was “at a complete loss for words”: “Cole Hartzog you where a brother from another mother. We lived together forever man. … A beautiful soul that will be missed.”
Said a third: “My head is still trying to wrap around this. We have people in our lives for reason. a season, and the rare ones a life time. … Just so much to say but your so far away. Love ya Cole Hartzog you are truly a once in a lifetime type of friend”
“We lost a beautiful soul,” wrote another. “I’ll never forget all the times we had together, both good and bad. He taught me so many things and always delighted in cheering people up or helping if he could. He was smart and talented and kind. Things won’t be the same without him.”
Police Capt. Robert Wagner of the Hilo Criminal Investigation Section told the Tribune-Herald on Thursday there are no outward signs of foul play on the body, but reiterated, “We’re waiting for the autopsy.”
The autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday.
Email John Burnett at jburnett@hawaiitribune-herald.com.