Hawai‘i Island police have identified the deceased male recovered from the waters of Boiling Pots in Hilo, on Thursday, September 19, 2024, as 42-year-old Stanley Walker II, of Pensacola, Florida.

On Tuesday, September 24, an autopsy was performed on Walker II, and a forensic pathologist determined that his cause of death was drowning. The investigation remains continuing pending the results of the toxicology report.   

On Tuesday afternoon, September 17, at 1:33 p.m., South Hilo patrol officers responded to Boiling Pots for a call of a swimmer in distress. Witnesses reported observing an unidentified man enter the water and immediately be pulled under the rapids. He did not re-surface and witnesses lost sight of him. 

Hawai‘i Fire Department rescue personnel and the State DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement also responded to the scene and began searching the area. An extensive search was conducted, however, the victim was unable to be located.

On September 19, at about 2:10 p.m., Hawai‘i Fire Department rescue personnel located and extricated the body of a deceased male who was located approximately 30 feet below the surface of one of the pools of Boiling Pots. The victim was transported to the Hilo Benioff Medical Center for pronouncement of death.

Police ask anyone who may have information regarding this incident to please call Detective Kimo Keli’ipa’akaua of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section at (808) 961-2375, or email at kimo.keliipaakaua@hawaiicounty.gov.