26-year-old Big Island man dies in possible drowning at End of the World in West Hawai‘i

Hawai‘i Island police are investigating the possible April 11 drowning of a 26-year-old Big Island man in Keauhou.

The man was identified as Mathen Jackson of Kailua-Kona.

Kona patrol officers responded shortly after 5 p.m. April 11 to the report of a swimmer in distress at Lekeleke Bay, commonly known as End of the World.

A witness at the scene said Jackson and a friend were eating food when Jackson decided to jump off the cliff. He became distressed in the strong current and the friend called 9-1-1.

The friend and a passerby then entered the water to rescue Jackson. They brought Jackson to a nearby tour boat that responded to the distress call.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, was initiated on the boat and an automated external defibrillator was used while Jackson was transported to Keauhou Pier.

Hawai‘i Fire Department personnel took over lifesaving measures when Jackson returned to shore and took him to Kona Community Hospital in critical condition.

He was pronounced dead at 6:36 p.m. April 11.

Police initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation and ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

No foul play is suspected at this time.

Anyone with any information about this incident is encouraged to contact Kona Patrol Acting Sgt. Reuben Pukahi at 808-326-4646, extension 253.