Police are investigating the possible drowning Monday afternoon of a 51-year-old male visitor in Hilo.
The victim has been identified as Greg Durocher of Castle Rock, Colo.
South Hilo patrol officers and Hawaii Fire Department personnel responded to Waiolena Beach Park in Keaukaha at 12:28 p.m. Monday for a report of a possible drowning.
During the investigation, officers learned that Durocher had been participating in scuba diving lessons with his family. He was in the water for approximately 38 minutes before returning to shore, complaining of difficulty breathing. Shortly thereafter, Durocher became unresponsive.
The dive master and Durocher’s family initiated CPR and continued until Fire Department medics arrived.
Medics continued treatment and transported Durocher to Hilo Benioff Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead shortly after admittance.
Police have initiated a coroner’s inquest to determine the exact cause of death. No foul play is suspected.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Officer Elieser Quinones at (808) 935-3311 or elieser.quinones@hawaiicounty.gov.