Police are investigating a possible drowning Tuesday afternoon at a beach in Kona.
The victim has been identified as 53-year-old Jeffrey Jewers of Aurora, Colo.
At about 5:29 p.m. Tuesday, officers responded to a report of a distressed swimmer in the 75-6000 block of Alii Drive. Upon arrival, officers learned that Jewers was walking along a rocky area the shoreline when a large wave struck him. The force of the wave knocked Jewers down onto the rocks, where he was subsequently pulled into the ocean.
Witnesses saw Jewers attempting to climb out of the ocean when he was struck by a second large wave, pulling him away from the shoreline.
Jewers was last seen a half-mile offshore. Responding Hawaii Fire Department personnel were able to locate Jewers, who appeared lifeless.
He was taken to the Kona Community Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 6:40 p.m.
Police have initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation and have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
Potential witnesses are asked to contact Officer Mara Gaertner of Kona Patrol at (808) 326-4646, ext. 253, or Mara.Gaertner@Hawaiicounty.gov.
Those who prefer anonymity may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.