KEKAHA — A man died Saturday afternoon after being pulled from waters off Waiapuaa Bay.

On Saturday at approximately 3 p.m., first responders were dispatched to Waiapuaa Bay, near Shenanigans Bar and Restaurant, following reports of a swimmer in distress. The individual had entered the water to rescue two children who were struggling in the high surf. While the children made it back to shore safely, he encountered trouble in the water.

Personnel with the Ocean Safety Bureau and Barking Sands Fire and Emergency Services Department recovered the man from the water and began lifesaving efforts. He was transported to the Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

The victim has been identified as Master-at-Arms 1st Class Jeffrey Diaz, 47, of Florida, who was stati

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