A tragic incident occurred off the coast of Hawaii when a 59-year-old woman from California drowned while swimming. Stacy Coon, who lived in Oroville, Butte County, was enjoying a day at Whittington Beach Park on the Big Island when she got into trouble.
On Sunday afternoon, Coon was swimming about 40 yards from the shore when she began to struggle and called out for help. Bystanders quickly rushed to her aid, bringing her back to the beach. They performed CPR in an effort to revive her, but she remained unresponsive.
Emergency services arrived around 2:40 p.m. and transported Coon to Ka‘ū Hospital, located about ten miles away. Sadly, she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. The police are investigating her death as a possible drowning, and an autopsy is pending.
Whittington Beach Park is known for its strong currents and dangerous water conditions. Although there are warning signs along the shoreline, the park does not have a lifeguard on duty. Locals have expressed concern about the safety of the area, noting that it has seen numerous incidents over the years. One resident mentioned witnessing 22 bodies being recovered from the beach, emphasizing the importance of heeding the warnings.
Just two days before her death, Coon had visited Ho‘okena Beach Park, which is recognized for its calm waters and snorkeling opportunities. It remains unclear if she was traveling alone during her trip to Hawaii.
This incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of swimming in unfamiliar waters, especially in areas known for rough surf.