Hawai‘i Island police investigate suspected drowning of man visiting from Japan

Hawai‘i Island police are investigating a suspected drowning – the second within two days – in the Ka‘ū District Sunday afternoon.

Officers responded to the scene at the Kalae Cove Park area of South Point at 1:31 p.m. During the investigation, police learned that the victim, identified as Kan Ogoshi, 26, from Setagaya, Japan, was visiting the area with family members when he decided to jump from the cliffs into the ocean.

“Upon entering the ocean, Ogoshi was observed not moving and did not resurface,” according to a press release from police Sunday night. “Bystanders assisted Ogoshi to shore and initiated CPR on the unresponsive man.”

Hawai‘i Fire Department medics arrived and continued life-saving measures; however, Ogoshi was pronounced deceased after arrival at Ka‘ū Hospital.

At this time, no foul play is suspected, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Ogoshi’s death comes after 62-year-old Bryan Coppola, visiting from Connecticut, died after a suspected drowning on Friday while at Ho‘okena Beach Park in South Kona.

Police ask that anyone with information regarding the suspected drowning in South Point or South Kona to call the police department’s non-emergency line at 808-935-3311.