A 66-year-old woman from Campbell, California, tragically lost her life while snorkeling at one of Hawaii's most iconic and beautiful spots. Jian-Ping Sun was discovered unconscious in Hanauma Bay at approximately 9:30 a.m. local time on Sunday, as reported by SFGate.
Sun's lifeless body had drifted about 10 feet from the shore before lifeguards noticed her, according to NBC Bay Area. Lifeguards immediately attempted life-saving measures before rushing her to the hospital. However, medical staff later pronounced her dead, the Honolulu Department of the Medical Examiner confirmed to SFGate.
Authorities have not yet determined how Sun became unresponsive while snorkeling in the bay. However, investigators told NBC that they do not believe foul play was involved. Christian Hellum, a spokesperson for the medical examiner's office, stated that the cause of death is still under review.
According to SFGate, drowning is one of the leading causes of injury-related deaths for tourists in Hawaii, with most incidents connected to snorkeling. Hanauma Bay, nestled inside a breached volcanic cone on the southeastern shore of Oahu, is renowned for its calm waters, pristine beaches, and world-class snorkeling over coral reefs teeming with colorful fish. The Hanauma Bay State Park website notes that millions have traveled there just to snorkel.
All first-time visitors to the bay are required to watch an informational video that teaches preservation, conservation, and safety rules for the waters. The Sunday tragedy comes just days after another swimmer lost his life in Hawaiian waters. Mathen Jackson, 26, died on April 11 after jumping off a cliff at a beauty spot on Lekeleke Bay in Kailua-Kona, commonly referred to as the 'End of the World.'
Jackson had been enjoying a meal with a friend before the jump and quickly became distressed in the strong current, a witness told the Hawaii Police Department. His friend called 911 and entered the water along with a bystander, former firefighter and Navy corpsman Ian Kowalczyk, in an attempt to rescue him. Kowalczyk towed Jackson to the edge of the cliff, but the 26-year-old was swept back out by a massive wave.
Firefighters and two rescue swimmers arrived, rushed into the water, and pulled Jackson onto a nearby boat, where they performed CPR. Sadly, it was too late. He was transported to Kona Community Hospital in critical condition and later died from his injuries.
