Police Investigating Possible Drowning in South Kona  

Hawai‘i Island police are investigating a possible drowning in South Kona involving a 62-year-old male visitor that occurred Friday afternoon, Dec. 26, 2025. The man has been positively identified as Bryan Coppola of  Bethlehem, Connecticut.

At 1:35 p.m., officers responded to Kona Community Hospital regarding a report of a possible drowning. During the investigation, police learned that a short time earlier Coppola and a family member had been snorkeling at Ho‘okena Beach Park when Coppola showed signs of distress. He was unresponsive when brought to shore and CPR was initiated until Hawai‘i Fire Department medics arrived. Medics continued CPR while transporting him to the hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. At this time, no foul play is suspected and the investigation remains ongoing.

Police ask that anyone with information regarding this incident to please call the police department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311 or email Officer Cody Sheddy of Kona Patrol at cody.sheddy@hawaiipolice.gov.