Hawaii Teen, 18, Dies During Freediving Trip at Famous Coastal Beauty Spot — He Was Preparing to Join the Coast Guard

An 18-year-old Hawaii high school graduate has died after disappearing underwater while freediving at a popular coastal location, cutting short a future filled with plans, family and a deep love of the ocean.

Joven Young, from Kailua-Kona, was diving with a friend near Pebble Beach in Captain Cook, on Hawaii’s Big Island, on October 13, 2026. According to police, his companion lost sight of him underwater and sought help from a nearby boat, which contacted the U.S. Coast Guard.

Kona patrol officers responded at around 1 p.m., and a multi-agency search operation was launched. Hawaii Fire Department search-and-rescue personnel located Young underwater at approximately 3:46 p.m. He was taken to Kona Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 6:10 p.m.

Police opened a coroner’s inquest investigation and ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. Authorities said foul play was not suspected.

But as investigators work to establish what happened beneath the water, Young’s family and friends are remembering the young man whose future had seemed full of promise.

Young moved from Oahu to Hawaii Island during ninth grade and graduated from Konawaena High School, where he played basketball throughout all four years. Former teammates remembered him as a talented player, particularly known for his three-point shooting, and a friend who cared deeply about the people around him.

His interests extended beyond basketball. Young loved freediving, fishing, surfing and exploring Hawaii’s hidden waterfalls. Those close to him said he felt at home outdoors and enjoyed spending time in the ocean.

Keri Blas, the mother of his longtime girlfriend, Kalei, said Young had dedicated his life to his Christian faith during his senior year. He was also preparing to join the U.S. Coast Guard in January, a goal that would have allowed him to pursue a future connected to the sea.

Young and Kalei had been together since their freshman year of high school and had hoped to build a life together after she completed nursing school and he began his Coast Guard career.

His former teammate Matthew Clark described Young as one of the first friends he made after moving to the island. Former coach Donald Awa also paid tribute to him, remembering him as a good young man and describing the incident as a terrible accident.

Young is survived by his parents, Tracy and Jason Young, his sister Makenna, his brother Jordy and his girlfriend, Kalei.

As the investigation continues, his loved ones are left mourning a young man whose life revolved around his faith, family, friendships and the ocean he loved.

Source: DAILYMAIL