Oregon visitor dies following snorkel trip in Kona

Hawai‘i Island police are investigating the death of a 62-year-old female visitor after she became unresponsive during a snorkel trip in Kona.

Kona patrol officers and Hawai‘i Fire Department responded to the incident at Keauhou Pier on Wednesday at 9:28 p.m. Through the course of the investigation, officers learned Lori Trende-Landgraver, visiting from Portland, Ore., was on a guided manta ray snorkel trip when she complained of soreness in her arms after being in the water for about 5 minutes.

After returning to the boat, Trende-Landgraver told the captain that she wasn’t feeling well and shortly thereafter became unresponsive, according to police. Crew members started CPR and the boat returned to Keauhou Harbor where it was met by medics.

Medics continued medical treatment, transporting Trende-Landgraver to Kona Community Hospital, where she was pronounced dead shortly after being admitted.

Police have initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation to determine the exact cause of death. No foul play is suspected.

Police are asking anyone with any information regarding this incident to contact Kona Patrol Officer Lawrence Matsumoto at 808-935-3311 or by e-mail at lawrence.matsumoto@hawaiicounty.gov.