MEDIA RELEASE

An autopsy had determined that a swimmer in distress died of natural causes.

South Hilo police responded to a report of a swimmer in distress at Richardson Ocean Park in Hilo at 5:24 p.m. Monday (December 26).

Responding officers determined that a 70-year-old Oahu woman had been knee-high in water about 20-30 yards out when she signaled her son for help. Her son paddled her to shore on a surfboard and began cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Responding Fire Department personnel continued revival efforts and took her to Hilo Medical Center. She was pronounced dead at 7 p.m.

The woman has been identified as Valeria Mee-Lee of Honolulu. An autopsy conducted Tuesday morning (December 27) determined that she died of natural causes due to a medical condition.

The case is classified as a coroner’s inquest.