A Pennsylvania man died while swimming in waters off Larsen's Beach on Kauai Wednesday afternoon. Kauai police have identified him as Scott Harmon, 48.
According to a preliminary investigation, at approximately 1:30 p.m., Harmon was swimming with a friend when he became distressed then unresponsive in the water. A bystander on the beach noticed the men in distress and swam out to them to with a rescue tube. Harmon was brought to shore where the bystanders began administering CPR.
Lifeguards from the Ocean Safety Bureau's East Roving Unit were first on scene, followed by firefighters from the Hanalei fire station. Once there, personnel continued resuscitation efforts until Rescue 3 aboard Air 1 arrived and airlifted the man to a nearby landing zone on Koolau Road.
Awaiting medics transported Harmon to Wilcox Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
An autopsy is pending for later this week to determine the cause of death.
Representatives from Life's Bridges, a grief counseling service, assisted Harmon's family.