Police Investigating Possible Drowning in Captain Cook

Hawai‘i Island police are investigating a possible drowning that occurred on Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 13, 2026, in Captain Cook, which claimed the life of 18-year-old Joven Young of Kailua-Kona.

At 1:00 p.m., Kona Patrol officers responded to Pebble Beach at the bottom of Kaohe Road in Captain Cook following a report from the U.S. Coast Guard of a missing diver.

Upon arrival, officers contacted an acquaintance of Young, who reported that the two had been diving when he lost sight of Young.

At 3:46 p.m., Hawai‘i Fire Department search and rescue personnel located Young in the water. He was subsequently transported to Kona Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 6:10 p.m.

Police have initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation, and an autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death. Foul play is not suspected at this time.

Police ask anyone with information regarding this incident to contact Detective Bradley Llanes of the Area II Criminal Investigation Section at (808) 326-4646, extension 3268, or via email at bradley.llanes@hawaiipolice.gov.