MEDIA RELEASE

Hawaiʻi Island police are investigating a possible drowning in Waipio.

Hāmākua District units responded to a 1:35 p.m. report of a drowning at the beach in Waipio Valley. When police and Fire Department personnel arrived, bystanders were attempting cardio-pulmonary resuscitation. Fire Department personnel took over attempts to revive the victim but were unsuccessful.

He has been identified as 62-year-old James D. Barber of Puakō.

Police have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.