Police ID body found in ocean off HPP
Police have identified the body found in the ocean near the cliffs off Old Government Road in the Hawaiian Paradise Park subdivision on Sunday as that of 39-year-old Seth Kapiliokalani Waltjen of Hilo.
An autopsy was conducted Tuesday and the forensic pathologist ruled Waltjen’s death was consistent with drowning, and ruled out foul play.
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However, final autopsy results are pending toxicology testing.
Waltjen was initially reported as a missing person on Sunday morning after he failed to return from opihi picking and diving on Saturday evening.
On Sunday afternoon, divers with the Hawaii Fire Department located Waltjen’s body in waters several hundred yards offshore.
Detectives are continuing this investigation, which is currently classified as a coroner’s inquest.
Anyone who may have information relative to this case is asked to call the police nonemergency number at (808) 935-3311 or Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.
