- Hawaii Police Department - https://www.hawaiipolice.com -

Possible Drowning in Puna 04/29/00

HAWAII COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT
PUNA PATROL DISTRICT
LIEUTENANT JAMES KELLY
PHONE: 966-5835
APRIL 29, 2000

MEDIA RELEASE

A 54-year-old man visiting Hilo with the Texas hula halau apparently drowned Saturday (April 29, 2000) while snorkeling in waters off Kehena Beach in Puna.

The victim was identified as David Allison, of Houston, Texas, who was visiting with his wife and three children to take part in the Merrie Monarch Festival.

Responding to a 1:20 p.m. call, police learned that Allison, who was described as a good swimmer, was snorkeling when bystanders ashore noticed him floating motionless face down in the water.

Bystanders pulled the victim from the water and administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation until fire rescue personnel arrived.

Allison was taken to the Hilo Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 3:17 p.m.

Police have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death and have classified the death as a public accident.

# # #