HAWAII COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT
NORTH KOHALA PATROL DISTRICT
OFFICER EDWARD LEWIS JR.
PHONE: 889-6540
SEPTEMBER 17, 2001
G-80913
MEDIA RELEASE UPDATE
A 26-year-old Hawi man apparently drowned Sunday afternoon (September 16, 2001) in a diving accident in waters off Mahukona in North Kohala.
The victim was identified as Richard Baker III, who officers said was with the U.S. Army.
About 2:30 p.m. Sunday, police received a call of a swimmer in distress at Mahukona Pier. When Fire Department rescue arrived, bystanders had already pulled the victim to shore and were attempting cardio-pulmonary resuscitation.
The victim was taken to the Kohala Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 3:10 p.m.
Police have classified the case as a public accident.
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