HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-01-01MandiesfollowingfireworkinjuriesDEREK S.K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR
MICHAEL A. DAHILIG, MANAGING DIRECTOR
News Release
For Immediate Release: January 1, 2021
COUNTY OF KAUA‘I
KAUA‘I POLICE DEPARTMENT
TODD G. RAYBUCK, CHIEF
(808) 241-1600
Man dies following firework injuries
LĪHU‘E – A 34-year-old man has died from injuries sustained by a firework explosion on New
Year’s Eve.
Police have identified the man as Dexter Ibaan of Kapa‘a.
According to a preliminary investigation, Ibaan was attempting to light a firework when it
apparently malfunctioned and exploded while he was holding it.
First responders were dispatched to the Kapa‘a residence at approximately 8:30 p.m. Thursday.
Once on scene they found a bystander administering CPR to the unresponsive man. Firefighters and
AMR medics took over advanced resuscitation efforts and continued efforts while in transport to Wilcox
Medical Center. The man could not be revived and was later pronounced dead by a medical doctor at
Wilcox Medical Center.
An autopsy is pending, but foul play is not suspected.
Volunteers with Life’s Bridges, a grief counseling service, is assisting the man’s family.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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