Texas Snorkeler Dies at Pu‘u Keka‘a “Black Rock” in West Maui

Puʻu Kekaʻa “Black Rock”. File photo by Wendy Osher.

A 64-year-old Texas man was pronounced dead at Kāʻanapali Beach this morning after witnesses discovered him face down in the water fronting Puʻu Kekaʻa “Black Rock.”

Fire and Public Safety personnel said that at 10 a.m. a Sheraton Maui employee pulled the victim out of the water and on to some rocks where the employee began CPR until Ocean Safety arrived via jet ski. The victim was then brought to shore where Ocean Safety personnel continued CPR.

Medics arrived on scene as well however resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful. Fire and rescue personnel reported that water conditions at the time were flat and calm, and that the victim was 30 yards from shore and had been snorkeling with a full face mask with an integrated snorkel.