A VETERAN police officer died while diving in Laulau Bay on Tuesday afternoon, the Department of Public Safety said.
In a statement, DPS said it is not releasing the identity of the officer until a complete and thorough investigation is finished and the next of kin is properly briefed.
According to DPS, on Oct. 18, 2022, at approximately 4:42 p.m., police received a call from an on-duty officer who reported that a fellow officer was in need of immediate medical attention in the Laulau Bay area.
DPS said, “The officer and their team were going through a three-day dive certification course.”
Sometime during the afternoon dive, DPS added, “the officer was brought back to shore where medical attention was provided and continued when the Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services medics arrived, and throughout the transport to the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation.”
After several attempts had been made to revive the officer, an attending physician pronounced the officer dead at 5:23 p.m.
“We send our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and co-workers of the eight-year veteran of the department,” DPS stated.
“As DPS continues to look into what transpired, we ask that the community be mindful of the family during this difficult time,” DPS added.
