Overview
- Master-at-Arms 1st Class Jeffrey Diaz, 47, entered rough water near the Pacific Missile Range Facility to aid two struggling children who reached shore safely.
- Ocean Safety Bureau and Barking Sands Fire personnel retrieved Diaz and began lifesaving measures before he was pronounced dead at Kaua‘i Veterans Memorial Hospital.
- Family accounts say he was swimming with his sons, directed the older child to get help, and urged his 9-year-old to keep swimming before the boy made it back to shore.
- Police say foul play is not suspected, and an autopsy will determine the cause of death.
- Officials reported a week of dangerous surf on Kaua‘i tied to two other recent ocean fatalities, as the Navy offered condolences and support to Diaz’s loved ones.