HomeMy WebLinkAboutNR022019KauaipoliceconfirmcauseofdeathforKoloacoupleF� OF
THE COUNTY OF KAUA'I
DEREK S. K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR
'qa MICHAEL A. DAHILIG, MANAGING DIRECTOR
OF
News Release
For Immediate Release: February 20, 2019
KAUA`I POLICE DEPARTMENT
MICHAEL M. CONTRADES, ACTING CHIEF
Tel (808) 241-1600
Fax (808) 241-1604
Kauai police confirm cause of death for Koloa couple
WAILUA — Kaua`i police have confirmed additional details about the two unattended
deaths that occurred Thursday in Wailua.
Autopsies performed have confirmed that Tia Obrero died of blunt force injuries and
strangulation, and Michael Blackstad died of a drowning. The autopsy also confirmed Blackstad
sustained postmortem injuries from a shark attack.
Obrero, age 26 of Koloa, was found unresponsive by a bystander early Thursday
morning along the shoreline of the beach area known as Kitchens in Wailua. Preliminary
evidence that day revealed she may have died from an assault.
Later that morning, a multi -agency land and sea search was initiated for Obrero's 26-
year-old husband, Blackstad, who was believed to be with Obrero Wednesday night. He was
later found dead Thursday on the rocky shoreline behind Kauai Beach Resort in Wailua.
"We thank the public for their patience while our detectives conducted a thorough and
objective investigation in order to secure justice and some sense of closure for all families
involved," stated Assistant Chief of the Investigative Services Bureau Bryson Ponce. "Our
investigation has led us to believe that Michael Blackstad is responsible for the death of his wife,
Tia Obrero. We believe Michael died shortly after in waters off Wailua. Although the
investigation remains ongoing, there are no other facts or evidence at this time to lead us to any
other conclusions. On behalf of our entire department, we extend our deepest sympathies to
their families, loved ones, and especially their two young children."
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