Woman identified in Kailua-Kona drowning incident

HONOLULU (KHON2) — Authorities have identified the woman who tragically died following a possible drowning incident in Kailua-Kona as 54-year-old Jennifer Kathleen Purcell of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

The incident unfolded just before 6 p.m. on Sunday, July 21, when Kona patrol officers and Hawai’i Fire Department personnel responded to a call regarding a possible drowning in the 75-5600 block of Ali‘i Drive.

Upon arrival, investigators determined that Purcell was discovered floating face down in the waters near the shoreline.

Bystanders acted swiftly, pulling Purcell from the water and administering CPR until emergency medics arrived.

She was subsequently transported to Kona Community Hospital and later airlifted to Queen’s Medical Center in Honolulu.

Despite efforts to save her, Purcell passed away at 9:29 a.m. on Monday, July 22.

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

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Further details regarding the cause of the possible drowning have not been disclosed at this time.