Hawaii police identify possible drowning victim in Kealakekua Bay

Hawaii Island Police have identified a woman who died last week after a possible drowning in Kealakekua Bay as Lillian McDaniel Konttinen, 29, of Kailua-Kona.

Police said officers responded to the area at 10:24 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 10, for a report of a possible drowning. Officers learned that a woman, later identified as Konttinen, was found face down in the waters of Kealakekua Bay.

She was reportedly wearing a mask, snorkel, fins and a wetsuit.

Bystanders pulled her out of the water and onto a paddleboard, and immediately began CPR. A nearby boat then picked up Konttinen and took her to shore, where resuscitation continued until medics arrived.

Hawaii Fire Department transported Konttinen to Kona Community Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Police have launched a coroner’s investigation to determine the exact cause of death.

Witnesses to the incident are asked to contact Officer Brant Powers at 808-935-3311 or [email protected].