Police Identify Possible Drowning Victim in Kona

As part of their ongoing investigation into the apparent drowning in Kailua-Kona on Sunday, January 5, 2025, Kona patrol officers have identified the deceased man as 35-year-old Garret Khralovch Stanislav of Mayfield, Ohio.

Shortly after 5:30 p.m. on January 5, Kona patrol officers responded to a report of a swimmer in distress at O-Tech Beach. Three men, including the victim, were near the bathrooms at O-Tech Beach when the man fell into the water and was not able to return to land due to the large waves.

The two unidentified men with Stanislav were observed trying to coach him back to land; however, he could not swim back to shore. Hawai‘i Fire Department rescue personnel arrived on the scene and conducted a search, locating Stanislav, who had no signs of life, and transported him to Honokōhau Harbor via a boat. 

Stanislav was transported to the Kona Community Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

Police have initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation and are awaiting autopsy results to determine the exact cause of death.

Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact Kona Patrol Officer Sarha Reich at the police department’s non-emergency number (808) 935-3311 or via email at Sarha.Reich@hawaiicounty.gov.