KAILUA-KONA — Officials say a man who was found hanged Wednesday at a state park in North Kona committed suicide.
The man, identified as a 38-year-old Kailua-Kona resident, was found hanged from a tree, north of the restroom facilities at Kua Bay at Kekaha Kai State Park, the Department of Land and Natural Resources, which oversees state parks, said.
Rescue personnel were dispatched to the site about 11 a.m.
A DLNR spokesman said that the man’s family had posted pictures and a statement on social media requesting help in trying to locate the man. He had been reported missing Wednesday morning.
The entire family had been searching for him and his vehicle had been located on the shoulder of Queen Kaahumanu Highway, fronting the entrance to the Makalawena section of the park.
The spokesman said there were no signs of foul play, and Hawaii Police detectives are currently investigating the incident. An autopsy was requested to find out the exact cause of death.
Kua Bay remained open throughout the investigation, which took place mauka of the shoreline.
West Hawaii Today does typically does not report on suicide unless it happens in a public place or is a public person.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call the toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The “lifeline” provides free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources and best practices for professionals.
Another resource is the Crisis Text Line, which offers free, 24/7 crisis support in the U.S. via text message. To be connected with a Crisis Counselor, text “HOME” to 741741.