Updated at 7:05 a.m., Friday, May 4, 2007
Police identify body of missing diver off Big Island
Advertiser Staff
The body of a missing diver that was recovered on Wednesday has been identified as 46-year-old Theordore Chapman of Kailua, Kona.Chapman's body was found in deep waters off Ka'u after a 24-hour search that involved the U.S. Coast Guard and Hawai'i County Fire Department. Chapman was reported missing Tuesday after he failed to surface during a dive while collecting tropical fish near Road to the Sea Beach.
At about 2 p.m. Wednesday, Fire Department rescue divers located the missing diver in 115 feet of water approximately 150 yards off shore in the area he had last been seen. He was taken to Kona Community Hospital and pronounced dead at 5:56 p.m.
The Police Department is continuing the investigation. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death. Police have classified the case as a Coroner's Inquest.
