Search for Missing Hawaii Teen Suspended After Human Remains Discovered
The intensive three-day search for a missing Hawaii teenager has been called off after the discovery of human remains in the waters where he was last seen. Matthew Packard-Asai, aged 19, disappeared on January 28 near Kahili Beach on the island of Kaua'i, prompting a major multi-agency rescue operation.
Tragic Discovery Halts Rescue Efforts
Rescue efforts were officially suspended on Saturday when remains believed to be those of Packard-Asai were located in the ocean nearby. Police have stated that positive identification is pending DNA confirmation, with authorities requesting privacy for the family during this difficult identification process.
The tragic incident began when Packard-Asai and a friend were swept out to sea by unpredictable currents while fishing. Emergency personnel responded to initial reports about the fishermen shortly after 12.15pm, launching what would become an extensive search operation.
Witness Accounts and Rescue Attempts
According to witness reports from KITV, onlookers watched as Packard-Asai swam vigorously against the waves while people attempted to pull him to safety. His hanai father (a Hawaiian term loosely translated as 'adopted father'), Kyle Doepke, recalled the harrowing scene.
'He wasn't unconscious — he was swimming — and they kept yelling at him to swim out, to not swim towards the rocks,' Doepke remembered of the desperate struggle against the ocean's power.
While Packard-Asai's friend was successfully recovered from the water with only a leg injury, according to the Kaua'i Fire Department press release, the teenager's disappearance triggered an extensive search operation.
Multi-Agency Search Operation
The frantic search for Packard-Asai involved comprehensive efforts across land, air, and sea with participation from numerous agencies including:
- The US Coast Guard
- Kaua'i Police Department
- Kaua'i Fire Department
- Kaua'i Search and Rescue
- The American Red Cross
- The Salvation Army
- The Department of Land and Natural Resources
Kaua'i Chief of Police Elliott Kalani Ke expressed gratitude to all volunteers and first responders involved in the challenging rescue mission. 'We also want to express our appreciation to our partners and the community members who supported the search for Matthew,' he stated.
Heartfelt Tributes and Family Support
Kaua'i Fire Department Chief Michael Gibson issued a poignant statement to Packard-Asai's family, saying 'Our thoughts are with Matthew and his loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.' He continued, 'We are deeply grateful to all the agencies and volunteers who worked tirelessly in this search, and we extend our heartfelt support to Matthew's family as they navigate the days ahead.'
Doepke shared his personal reflections on the teenager, revealing that he had feared the worst within 'the first few hours of that rescue.' He described Packard-Asai as 'just such a pure, truly hearted kid' who 'exemplified that to a lot of kids.'
The hanai father noted that despite coming from what he described as a 'dysfunctional' background himself, Packard-Asai consistently 'would always hold this light for other kids,' demonstrating remarkable resilience and positivity.
The Daily Mail has contacted the Kaua'i Fire Department, Kaua'i Police, and Kaua'i County for additional information as the community comes to terms with this tragic outcome.
