"The injury is what killed him," Von Guenthner said of the autopsy findings.

Morishima, 78, was reported missing by his family on Dec. 29. He had gone to Nu'uanu Valley to collect bamboo shoots and pepeiao (black tree fungus). His body was discovered by a hiker Saturday morning, on the sixth day of intensive searching.

"He may have probably slipped and hyperextended his neck as he was falling and fractured the midpoint of the cervical spine," Von Guenthner said. "It was a short fall. It wasn't like he fell from height.

"Either during the fall or before that, he also sustained a chest injury," the medical examiner added.

Von Guenthner concluded that Morishima died 36-48 hours before his body was found, which would mean he fell sometime Thursday.

Throughout the week, the determined search effort was fueled by the belief that Morishima was alive but disoriented. He was described by family as being in "terrific shape."

Funeral services for Morishima will be held Sunday at Nuuanu Mortuary's East Chapel at 6:30 p.m. The family requests no flowers and casual attire.

There will be a private inurnment at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl.

Born in Olowalu, Maui, Morishima served in World War II with the 522nd Field Artillery Battalion, which was originally attached to the 442nd Regimental Combat Team.

A retired construction superintendent, Morishima was an active outdoorsman who enjoyed diving and softball. He played in the Meiji Makule Softball League until recently.