Police said several people joined in the effort to save the boy, who was pulled out to sea at the Lumaha'i River mouth. Several of the individuals who attempted to help ran into trouble themselves in the strong current and active shorebreak. Local surfers and body boarders eventually brought the teen and others to shore. Several were taken to Wilcox Hospital for treatment.

A retired police officer started cardio-pulmonary resuscitation on the Alabama man before emergency crews arrived, but Trotti could not be revived.