HAWAII COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT
KA’U PATROL
OFFICER SHANE GALI
PHONE: 939-2520
DECEMBER 29, 2002
H-32960
MEDIA RELEASE
A 15-year-old boy died Saturday night (December 28, 2002) after he ran into trouble while night diving with friends off Kaalualu Bay near South Point in Ka’u.
The victim was identified as Joseph Sparacio, of Kaneohe, Oahu.
Responding to a 9:29 p.m. call, Ka’u police learned that Sparacio was diving at night with his brother and a friend when he apparently started suffering seizures off Kaalualu Bay.
His companions brought him to shore, called for emergency help and started driving toward the main highway. Police and fire rescue personnel met the truck on South Point Road. From there, an ambulance took the victim to the Ka’u Hospital, where he was admitted in critical condition. The victim died about 11:30 p.m.
Police have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
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