POHOIKI, Hawaii: Hawaii County Police are reporting the death of 42 year old Nathan Keliikuli of Keaʻau, who died of an apparent surfing injury at the popular Pohoiki beach park.
Police were called to the Puna makai surf spot, known as “Birdshacks”, after a 10 a.m. alarm. From the police department:
Officers learned that Keliikuli had reportedly fallen and hit his jaw on his surfboard while surfing. Bystanders found him unconscious and took him to shore, where they attempted cardio-pulmonary resuscitation until Fire Department rescue personnel arrived and took him to Hilo Medical Center in critical condition.
Keliikuli was pronounced dead at the hospital at 11:13 a.m.
Police say the case is classified as a coroner’s inquest. Police have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
What a shame. My prayers for Nathan’s family. Bad thing at Shacks there is a lifeguard dere. My friend was caught in a rip current month ago and another surfer rescued him while the lifeguard just watched. This shouldn’t have happened.