Early Sunday, a tragic incident occurred in Hawaii when Kala‘iokealaula Ashley Nicole Reyes Kanekoa, a 29-year-old woman, fell from a cliff and was subsequently swept away by the ocean’s currents despite her boyfriend’s attempts to save her. The Hawaii Police Department reported the incident, noting it happened near Paradise Drive and Beach Road in Kea‘au shortly before 2 a.m.
Dylan Gapp, identified as Kanekoa’s boyfriend, recounted the harrowing experience to Hawaii News Now, explaining that the couple was enjoying the ocean views when Kanekoa accidentally fell. Gapp attempted a rescue by throwing a flotation device to her, but the strong currents pulled her further out to sea.
The response from police and firefighters was swift, arriving within minutes of the emergency call. However, Gapp expressed frustration over the lack of proper rescue equipment, which left him helplessly listening to Kanekoa’s distress. Authorities later clarified that the fire truck present was not equipped for ocean rescues and that the conditions were too perilous and dark for an immediate water rescue.
An hour passed without the arrival of a rescue boat or helicopter, prompting Gapp to swim out to Kanekoa, who was clinging to a raft. Unfortunately, by the time he returned, the first responders had lost sight of her. The search continued into the morning, and at 8 a.m., her body was discovered four miles downshore near Honolulu Landing in Pāhoa.
Kanekoa was taken to the Hilo Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead at 10:58 a.m. An autopsy conducted on Tuesday confirmed that she died from accidental drowning, with no suspicion of foul play, according to police.
In remembrance of Kanekoa, Gapp shared with Hawaii News Now her profound love for her children and her kind, caring nature, painting a picture of a life tragically cut short by an unforeseen accident.
Police are asking anyone who may have information relative to this case, to call the police department’s non-emergency number at (808) 935-3311, or Detective Paul Mangus of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section at (808) 961-2383 or email [email protected].
