A Michigan woman is filing a lawsuit against the Hawaii Tourism Authority for her husband's fatal snorkeling incident.
Patti Johnson believes that due to the lack of awareness regarding the lesser-known danger of snorkeling, his husband's demise due to snorkeling could have been prevented.
Ray Johnson, aged 64, met his untimely demise in February 2022, with the coroner attributing his death to drowning, a prevalent hazard for tourists in Hawaii. Patti Johnson's lawsuit brings to light the need for enhanced safety measures and educational initiatives to mitigate such risks in water-related activities.
Husband's Fatal Snorkeling Incident
Patricia and Ray Johnson, accompanied by four friends, checked into Maui's Fairmont Kea Lani on the evening of February 23, 2022, intending to explore various islands during their multi-week stay.
This trip marked the couple's sixth visit to Hawaii, where they had previously enjoyed snorkeling numerous times.
On the morning of February 25, while some of the group, including Ray, ventured into the waters off Wailea Beach near their resort for snorkeling, Patricia chose to stroll along a nearby trail with a view of the beach. "I looked out, and I saw my husband and my friends or people out there," she recounted.
"I'm waving at him, and it hits me." Patricia noticed individuals who appeared to be assisting Ray while he was snorkeling.
Rushing down to the beach, Patricia witnessed a rapid deterioration of the situation. Initially, Ray managed to keep his head above water and was heading back to shore, but suddenly he fell onto his back, his head jerking backward at one point, requiring assistance to be brought ashore.
Emergency services were contacted, but despite efforts by medical personnel, Ray could not be revived.
The subsequent autopsy labeled Ray's death as an accidental drowning, a conclusion Patricia questions vehemently. "I was watching him come in, how could he be drowning?" she questioned.
According to eyewitnesses among his snorkeling companions, Ray was speaking and even diving underwater. He surfaced at one point, pleading for help as he is struggling to breathe.
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Michigan Woman's Hawaii Lawsuit
According to Jay Stuemke, the attorney representing the deceased experienced snorkeler, the circumstances surrounding his final moments deviated significantly from a typical drowning incident.
Stuemke explained that he mentioned to a friend, 'I'm having trouble breathing,' and efforts were made to bring him ashore.
The study's authors, whose findings are referenced in Johnson's legal case, highlighted in their interim report that Rapid Onset Pulmonary Edema (ROPE) is a contributing factor to numerous fatal and near-fatal incidents related to snorkeling.
Stuemke further emphasized the importance of delaying snorkeling activities for at least three days after arriving in Hawaii, citing a significant reduction in the risk of preventable deaths.
Drowning stands as the primary cause of death among tourists in Hawaii, particularly during snorkeling excursions.
Despite the ocean's unpredictable nature, attention is being drawn to a lesser-known medical condition, ROPE, which poses specific risks to snorkelers but has received limited attention in the past.
The study underscores that tourists typically endure long flights of at least five hours to reach Hawaii.
Given that aircraft cabins are pressurized to levels equivalent to altitudes of up to 8,500 feet, this can affect lung membrane permeability and potentially contribute to the development of ROPE.
Stuemke highlighted the missed opportunity to inform individuals like Ray of their heightened risk due to recent air travel.
He noted that had they been aware of safety recommendations, they would have opted for leisurely activities rather than immediate snorkeling, as emphasized by Ray's wife.
This highlights a broader need for informed decision-making among tourists who plan extended stays and engage in various activities during their Hawaii visits.
