Police identify 76-year-old man who likely drowned bodysurfing at Kahalu’u Beach Park

Hawai’i Island police have identified the 76-year-old man who died of a possible drowning on Wednesday morning at Kahalu‘u Beach Park as Daniel Vasquez of Kailua-Kona.

At 10:47 a.m. on Wednesday, Kona patrol officers responded to a report of a possible drowning at the beach park at the 78-6700 block of Ali‘i Drive.

According to a witness, Vasquez was discovered unresponsive while bodysurfing. Hawai‘i County Ocean Safety personnel and bystanders brought Vasquez to shore.

CPR was initiated and an automated external defibrillator was utilized. Vasquez was transported by Hawai‘i Fire Department personnel to Kona Community Hospital in critical condition. He was pronounced dead at 11:28 a.m.

Police have initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation and have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. No foul play is suspected at this time.

Police are asking anyone with any information regarding this incident to contact Kona Patrol Officer Marquis Hall at 808-935-3311 or by email at marquis.hall@hawaiipolice.gov.