HomeMy WebLinkAboutNR110119MandiesinwatersoffKauapeaBeachTHE COUNTY OF KAUA'I
DEREK S. K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR
mqa MICHAEL A. DAHILIG, MANAGING DIRECTOR
C OF
News Release
For Immediate Release: November 1, 2019
KAUA`I POLICE DEPARTMENT
TODD G. RAYBUCK, CHIEF
Tel (808) 241-1600
Fax (808) 241-1604
Man dies in waters off Kauapea Beach
KILAUEA — Kaua`i police confirm that a male visitor died Thursday in waters off Kauapea
Beach, in Kilauea.
He has been identified as 60-year-old Randy Thoen of Michigan.
At approximately 11:30 a.m., first responders were dispatched to Kauapea Beach, also
known as Secret Beach, for an unresponsive male who was pulled from the water.
A preliminary investigation reveals that Thoen became distressed while swimming in the
surf break. Bystanders on shore signaled to the surfers in the water, who then brought Thoen to
shore. Once on shore, one of the surfers who is an off -duty firefighter immediately began to
administer CPR.
Firefighters, lifeguards from the North Roving Patrol Unit, and AMR medics arrived on
scene and took over resuscitation efforts, but the man could not be revived.
Thoen was transported to Wilcox Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
An autopsy is pending to determine the cause of his death, but foul play is not
suspected.
Volunteers with Life's Bridges, a grief counseling service, assisted the man's family.
Additionally, while rescuers were responding to Theon, they were notified of a second
person in distress on the beach approximately 100 yards from the scene.
Personnel found a 30-year-old male who was having difficulty breathing after being
caught in the surf break. Lifeguards administered oxygen and assessed the man's vitals. An off -
duty medical doctor also assisted the man. The man's condition improved and he refused
further treatment.