HomeMy WebLinkAbout20230306KPD.pdfDEREK S.K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR
MICHAEL A. DAHILIG, MANAGING DIRECTOR
News Release
For Immediate Release: March 6, 2023
COUNTY OF KAUA‘I
KAUA‘I POLICE DEPARTMENT
TODD G. RAYBUCK, CHIEF
(808) 241-1600
Male resident dies after being found unresponsive in waters off Kukuiula Small Boat
Harbor
KUKUIULA – A 52-year-old male Līhu‘e resident died on O‘ahu on Sunday after he was found
unresponsive in waters off Kukuiula Small Boat Harbor on Friday morning.
The Kaua‘i Police Department has identified the decedent as Kelly Vea, 52, of Līhu‘e.
Personnel with the Kōloa fire station, Ocean Safety Bureau, American Medical Response, the
Kaua‘i Police Department, and a bystander responded to the incident.
According to a preliminary report, shortly after 8:50 a.m., first responders received a call of a
male pulled from waters off Kukuiula Small Boat Harbor. The male was participating in a dive class when
dive instructors found him unresponsive.
Personnel with the OSB South Roving Ski patrol, while on patrol, witnessed the event and
administered CPR on the male. When Kōloa firefighters arrived, they continued CPR and resuscitation
efforts. AMR personnel took over and continued advanced life-saving treatment on the victim while in
transport to Wilcox Medical Center. He was later medevacked to O‘ahu, where he died Sunday.
The scene was cleared shortly before 9:30 a.m. on Friday.
An autopsy is pending to determine the exact cause of death.
Volunteers with Life’s Bridges, a grief counseling service, is assisting the victim’s family.
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Kauai Police Department PIO
EMAIL: kpdpio@kauai.gov