A firefighter who was hospitalized in critical condition after a rescue exercise off Diamond Head Tuesday has died.
The Honolulu Fire Department confirmed Clifford Rigsbee, 63, died from his injuries Thursday night.
The department says Rigsbee lost his life in the line of duty from injuries sustained during rescue watercraft training near the surf spot known as “Suicides.”
Rigsbee was a 21-year veteran of the department and was stationed in Waikiki.
HFD says his family, who flew in from the mainland, is having an extremely difficult time and ask that the public respect their privacy.
Fire Chief Manuel P. Neves said the death of Rigsbee deeply impacts the department. “He was in our training bureau for a very long time, trained many of our folks, even participating in our recruitment for new firefighters. He set up a program for wellness and fitness for aspiring women that be part of our fire department.
“I’ve known Cliff Rigsby for almost 21 years, and for the entire time that he’s been in the department, I was totally surprised that he was 63 years old. He has the physique and the mentality and energy of someone that’s half that age.”