New York visitor dies in waters off Kaupea ‘Secret’ Beach

A 62-year-old man visiting from New York died Tuesday afternoon after being pulled from waters at Kauapea Beach in Kīlauea, more commonly known as Secret Beach.

Officials with the County of Kauaʻi announced the fatality Tuesday evening, saying bystanders initially administered CPR on the unresponsive swimmer before first responders arrived at the scene shortly after 11:15 a.m.

“Kaua‘i Fire Department personnel with the Hanalei Fire Station responded, utilizing an AED and the LUCAS device,” the county said in a press release. The LUCAS device is a mechanical device designed to assist first responders in administering CPR.

Crews transported the victim to medics, who took over advanced resuscitation efforts.

The 62-year-old victim was then transported to the Sameul Mahelona Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, county officials said.

An autopsy is pending to determine the exact cause of death, but officials do not suspect foul play.

County officials remind the public that Kauapea/Secret Beach is not a lifeguarded beach and urge visitors to use caution if getting in the water.

However, they strongly recommended only swimming at beaches that have lifeguards.

Volunteers with Life’s Bridges, a grief counseling service, were contacted to offer support to the victim’s family.