A 36-year-old Puna man apparently drowned while diving Sunday in waters off Puna.
A 36-year-old Puna man apparently drowned while diving Sunday in waters off Puna.
Responding to the 4:20 p.m. report, Hawaii Fire Department personnel and Hawaii Police Department officers arrived at Maku‘u Point in the Hawaiian Paradise Park subdivision to learn two family members had went spearfishing at approximately 4 p.m., and about 20 minutes later one of the divers began struggling in the water.
The other diver attempted to assist him, but due to the high surf, was unable to do so, police said.
Fire rescue personnel were able to rescue one diver, a 38-year-old man, who did not suffer injuries and refused medical attention. The body of the 36-year-old man was found floating face down and unresponsive shortly thereafter.
Medics performed CPR on the unresponsive man and transported him to Hilo Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at 5:09 p.m. He was identified as Donald Gonzalez of Orchidland.
Police have initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation and have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
