WAILUA — A 46-year-old Kauai man died while snorkeling in waters off Wailua on Thursday afternoon.
Friday, Kauai police identified the decedent as Daymion Brown, 46.
Two bystanders golfing near the 17th hole of Wailua Golf Course called 911 shortly before 1:30 p.m. when they heard cries for help coming from the beach area nearby, according to a county press release.
According to a preliminary investigation, one of the golfers, a 71-year-old Kauai man, saw a male snorkeler in distress about 50 yards from shore. The man quickly swam out in an attempt to help the snorkeler. However, he also became distressed and in need of assistance.
Meanwhile, prior to officials arriving on scene, the second male golfer saw another snorkeler in distress near the shoreline. The golfer, also 71 years old of Kauai, was able to help guide the male snorkeler safely to shore. The snorkeler left the scene in a private vehicle before officials arrived.
Shortly after being notified, Kauai Fire Department Ocean Safety Bureau lifeguards from the Lydgate Park tower arrived first on scene and brought the 71-year-old distressed swimmer safely to shore. Awaiting medics transported him to Wilcox Medical Center, where he was treated and released.
KFD’s Lihue Rescue 3 aboard the KFD helicopter, Air 1, soon arrived on scene to assist with locating the remaining distressed snorkeler, Brown. Rescuers found him unresponsive in the water and brought him to shore, where they began administering CPR.
He was transported to Wilcox Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
An autopsy is pending.
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