Scuba diver dies after being pulled from waters off Po‘ipū Monday

A male visitor from Washington died Monday after scuba diving in waters off Kōloa Landing in Po‘ipū.

Kaua‘i Police identified the visitor as Rex Shayne Queen, age 58, of Seattle, Washington. 

According to a preliminary report, at approximately 9 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 6, a male visitor who was scuba diving in the ocean in the vicinity of Kōloa Landing became unresponsive. First responders located the diver and brought him to shore.  

Personnel with American Medical Response were immediately dispatched. Upon arriving at the scene,  AMR personnel took over operations, as Kaua‘i Fire Department firefighters from the Kōloa fire station were administering CPR on Mr. Queen. The Washington man was immediately transported to the Wilcox Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead by a medical doctor.  

No signs of foul play were reported or observed.  An autopsy is pending for the exact cause of death.

 “We are saddened once again to report the death of another visitor,” Kaua’i Police Investigative Services Bureau Acting Captain Kennison Nagahisa said. “We remind the public to be aware of your surroundings and your abilities in the water.”   

KPD urges visitors and residents to visit beaches where lifeguards are present and to utilize caution when entering the water.

Volunteers from the Wilcox Medical Center assisted the family of Mr. Queen.