Body of man found floating in waters off Lucy Wright Beach Park; resuscitation efforts fail

A man is dead following what appeared to have been a kayaking incident in waters near Lucy Wright Beach Park in Waimea on Kaua‘i’s South Shore.

First responders were dispatched at about 6 p.m. Oct. 18 after receiving a report of a body floating near the shoreline of Waimea River.

Personnel from Kaua‘i Fire Department arrived at the scene and brought the man to shore. Medics immediately began lifesaving measures; however, despite their best efforts, resuscitation was unsuccessful.

The man — later identified as 60-year-old Angel Tapia, who has no permanent address — was transported to Wilcox Medical Center in Līhuʻe, where he was pronounced dead.

Witnesses told police that Tapia — who might have been impaired at the time — was offshore in a kayak when a wave capsized the vessel.

An autopsy was requested to determine Tapia’s official cause of death and any contributing factors.

Authorities do not suspect foul play at this time.

Kaua‘i Police Department and Kaua‘i Fire Department remind the public to exercise caution when engaging in water activities, particularly near river mouths and ocean shorelines, where currents can be unpredictable and dangerous.

THe public is encouraged to swim only at lifeguarded beaches, avoid going out alone and stay vigilant of changing ocean conditions.

Speak with a Kaua‘i County lifeguard at any lifeguard station, visit the Safe Beach Day website or call the Kaua‘i Ocean Safety Bureau at 808-241-4984 for up-to-date ocean conditions and safety information.