Man reportedly jumps to his death off Pu‘u‘eo Bridge in Hilo

Big Island police are investigating after a man reportedly jumped to his death off a bridge in downtown Hilo.

The Hawai‘i Police Department initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation in connection with the incident that took place the evening of Jan. 4. Shortly before 5 p.m. Wednesday, South Hilo patrol officers and Hawai‘i Fire Department personnel responded to the area of the Pu‘u‘eo Bridge after receiving numerous reports that a man had jumped from the bridge into the Wailuku River.

First responders located the man’s lifeless body, and Fire Department rescue personnel assisted in recovering the body from the water. Detectives with the Police Department’s Area I Criminal Investigation Section also responded to the scene to continue the investigation.

The victim was transported to Hilo Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 6 p.m. An autopsy is scheduled later this week to determine the exact cause of death.

The identity of the victim, thought to be a male in his early 70s, is being withheld pending positive identification and notification of next of kin.

Anyone who might have information relative to this case is asked to call the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 808-935-3311 or contact Detective Kimo Keliipaakaua with the Area I Criminal Investigation Section at 808-961-2375 or via email at [email protected].