An autopsy performed on the body of 76-year-old Philip L. Monette of Pahoa indicated that he died as a result of asphyxiation secondary to drowning, Big Island police said.

Beachgoers reported finding the body floating in the water at Reed's Bay early Sunday afternoon. They moved the body to shore and called 911.

Fire Department personnel determined that the individual was deceased. Responding patrol officers called detectives from the Criminal Investigations Section to investigate.