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5d ago

Coroner’s Inquest Underway for Ex-Firefighter Who Died After Family Scuba Lesson

Authorities have ruled out foul play in the investigation into the 51-year-old’s possible drowning.

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A scuba diver descends at the Maria la Gorda international diving center on the Guanahacabibes peninsula in the province of Pinar del Rio, Cuba.<!--IPTC: In this June 10, 2015 photo, a diver makes an immersion at the International diving Center Maria la Gorda on the Guanahacabibes peninsula in the province of Pinar del Rio, Cuba. (AP Photo/Chris Gillette)-->
The 51-year-old was taking a lesson with members of his family, police said.

Overview

  • Greg Durocher, a 51-year-old former Colorado firefighter and founder of Safe Ride 4 Kids, began a family scuba lesson at Waiolena Beach Park on June 30.
  • After roughly 38 minutes underwater, he returned to shore complaining of difficulty breathing and soon became unresponsive.
  • His dive instructor and family members performed CPR until Hawai‘i Fire Department medics arrived and transported him to Hilo Benioff Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
  • Hawai‘i Police classified the incident as a possible drowning and initiated a coroner’s inquest on July 2 to establish the precise cause.
  • The incident highlights the dangers of recreational diving and the vital role of prompt CPR and medical response in submersion emergencies.