Visitor Dies After Snorkeling Incident in South Kona, Authorities Investigate

Hawai‘i Island police are investigating a possible drowning after a 62 year old male visitor was found unresponsive following a snorkeling outing at Ho‘okena Beach Park in South Kona on December 26. The man was later identified as Bryan Coppola of Bethlehem, Connecticut. Officers responded to Kona Community Hospital at 1:35 p.m. following reports of the incident and the patient was pronounced deceased at the facility.

According to the initial investigation, Coppola and a family member had been snorkeling at Ho‘okena earlier in the afternoon when he showed signs of distress. He was unresponsive when brought to shore and bystanders began cardiopulmonary resuscitation until Hawai‘i Fire Department medics arrived. Medics continued CPR while transporting Coppola to Kona Community Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

Police say there is no indication of foul play at this time and the investigation remains ongoing. Residents and visitors with information are asked to contact the police department non emergency line at (808) 935 3311 or to email Officer Cody Sheddy of Kona Patrol at cody.sheddy@hawaiipolice.gov. The case is being handled by the Hawai‘i Police Department Kona Patrol Division under Lieutenant Jeremy S. Lewis. For media or additional inquiries contact Lieutenant Lewis at (808) 326 4646 extension 251. The department report number is 25 116588.

The incident underscores ongoing safety concerns for both visitors and locals who use ocean recreation sites around the island. Ho‘okena is a popular shore access point for snorkeling and related activity, and sudden medical emergencies at sea place heavy demands on bystanders and first responders. The community may look to local officials and lifeguard providers to review signage, emergency protocols, and public education about ocean conditions and personal flotation. For now officials are focused on completing their investigation and gathering any witness information that could clarify the circumstances of Coppola’s distress and death.