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Hilo Drowning 04/20/99

HAWAII COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT
SOUTH HILO PATROL DIVISION
SERGEANT BURTON H. YAMAGUCHI
PHONE: 961-2311
APRIL 20, 1999
F-92073

MEDIA RELEASE

A 51-year-old Hilo man apparently drowned Tuesday afternoon (April 20, 1999) while diving in waters off King’s Landing in Hilo.

The victim’s name was being withheld until positive identification is made and his next of kin can be notified.

Police and fire rescue units responded to a 2:29 p.m. call. A police helicopter brought the victim’s body from the shore to the fire rescue vehicle about a mile inland. The victim was then taken to the Hilo Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 4 p.m.

Police learned that the victim and a friend had gone diving in the King’s Landing area. The victim’s friend stayed ashore. Later, when he saw the victim floating apparently lifeless in the water, he jumped in and brought the victim to shore. Unable to revive the victim, the friend then hiked about 35-40 minutes back to his car and called in the report.

Police have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

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