Second tourist dies after being swept into Hawaii sea; third victim hospitalized
Another vacationer has died after being swept at sea in Hawaii.
Laura Sue Jett, 72, an Oklahoma City, Oklahoma resident, was identified as the second victim involved in a high-surf incident at the Ke Iki Beach on Oʻahu’s North Shore on Monday, the Honolulu Medical Examiner's Office told Paste BN.
The North Shore is 26 miles north of Honolulu, Hawaii.
Shortly after 8 a.m., Honolulu’s Ocean Safety, Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services responded to a 911 call regarding two women, ages 72 and 31, and one 63-year-old man who were pulled into the ocean at Ke Iki Beach, a popular beach with a strong shorebreak and no lifeguard tower, a spokesperson for the Honolulu Emergency Services Department previously told Paste BN.
The Oʻahu North Shore was experiencing a high surf advisory. The waves already had six- to eight- foot faces and the swell was rising, with waves possibly up to 18 feet. Signs stating there was strong current and dangerous shorebreak were posted around the beach.
Oʻahu’s North Shore is famous for its huge and often unpredictable swells during the wintertime, drawing surfers and spectators alike from around the world.
The man, who was identified as Bryan Kunic, was unable to be resuscitated and was pronounced dead at the beach. Kunic was a Hollister, California resident, the medical examiner's office confirmed.
The two women were transported to the hospital. One woman was unresponsive and in critical condition and the other was awake and in serious condition, authorities said.
Both women were visiting the island from Oklahoma.
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GoFundMe created for three victims of Oʻahu North Shore
A family friend of the Oklahoma women created a GoFundMe page to help with the expenses that have accumulated while the two are in Hawaii.
In the post, the friend shared more details about what occurred on Monday.
“Susie, however, needed over 45 minutes of CPR and is in critical condition and on life support in the ICU,” the post said.
Laura Rich, Jett’s daughter, was responsive but on oxygen. Her husband Bryan traveled to the island to be by her side, the post said.
“We want to show their family as much love, compassion, and support as possible during this difficult time and provide them with the help they need for lodging, meals, transportation, medical, and other unknown expenses that will arise in the coming weeks and months,” the post said.
Kunic is remembered as an engineer and an animal lover that loved to travel.
“He was sitting up on the beach, a huge wave came in, rolled him and pulled him into the ocean,” the post said.
Kunic leaves behind his wife, Carolyn.
“With all of the emotional pain and stress that a sudden death brings, it can also bring financial burdens,” the post said. “We would like to raise money for Carolyn to help bring Bryan home and to help with any funeral expenses.”
The exact cause and manner of death are pending in both cases, the medical examiner's office said.
Contributing: Kathleen Wong, Paste BN.
Ahjané Forbes is a reporter on the National Trending Team at Paste BN. Ahjané covers breaking news, car recalls, crime, health, lottery and public policy stories. Email her at aforbes@gannett.com. Follow her on Instagram, Threads and X (Twitter) @forbesfineest.