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Fatal public accident 11-22-10

Hawai’i Police Department
North Kohala District
Captain Richard Miyamoto
Phone: 889-6540
November 22, 2010
Report No. C10032191

Media Release

A 39-year-old man died Sunday (November 21) from a fall along the North Kohala coast a day earlier.

The victim, identified as Rockne Ching of Kapa’au, was attempting to rappel down a 50-foot cliff at a fishing spot known as "Ladders" on Saturday (November 20) when he lost his grip and fell about 20 feet onto the rocks below. He was air lifted from the area by a Fire Department rescue helicopter and taken to North Hawaii Community Hospital in critical condition. He was later transferred to Maui Memorial Hospital for treatment of head and back injuries.

On Sunday evening (November 21) Ching died from his injuries. Police are awaiting the results of an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.