HONOLULU (KRON / KHON) — A San Jose newlywed couple’s dream Hawaiian honeymoon trip become a tragic nightmare this June.
Honolulu Emergency Medical Services mentioned they responded to a 911 name at 10:27 a.m. June 1 at Electric Beach in Nānākuli. The groom, a 49-year-old San Jose man, had been snorkeling along with his spouse when one thing went improper, witnesses advised KHON2.
The man was unresponsive when bystanders pulled him out of the ocean and carried out CPR on the seashore. First responders transported the groom to a hospital, the place he later died, KHON2 reported.
The honeymoon tragedy continued when the spouse found that somebody had stolen her backpack, driver’s license, rental automobile keys, and rental automobile from Electric Beach. The thief snatched the spouse’s belongings whereas she was watching CPR being carried out on her husband, a witness mentioned.
Honolulu police affirm they’re investigating a theft and auto theft associated to the incident.
The sufferer’s pal reached out to KRON4 and recognized the groom as Steven Phan. The San Jose man labored for Apple in Cupertino and celebrated his marriage ceremony day on March 20. His spouse was recognized by the pal as Brittany Myers Phan.
A GoFundMe web page for the Phans states, “While snorkeling tragedy struck. Steven, Brittany’s husband of all but 3 months, drowned. As If this could not be worse, all of Brittany and Steven’s belongings were stolen, the thieves took their cell phones, wallets, money, clothing, they even stole their car rental.”
According to her household, Brittany Myers Phan was nonetheless caught in Hawaii on Friday trying to get a brand new ID so she may fly dwelling to the Bay Area for her husband’s funeral.
A witness advised KHON2, “I met the wife. They were there on their honeymoon, just the two of them. As if the tragedy itself wasn’t difficult enough, now she has to go through the logistics … because she can’t travel back to home without an ID. She has to go through the due process at the airport to verify. It’s a mess.”
“I’m still kind of shaky inside just thinking, oh my God, they’re honeymooners. It’s supposed to be happy,” mentioned Rhonda Aquino, an area Waipahu resident. “I feel so sad inside, like, cannot believe still.”
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Electric Beach is a well-liked spot for snorkeling on the west aspect of Oʻahu.
Aquino, who grew up going to Electric Beach, mentioned it may be harmful in the event you’re not acquainted with the realm. “The current gets strong here,” Aquino cautioned.
Electric Beach has been rising in reputation amongst vacationers due to social media, nevertheless it doesn’t have a lifeguard, Aquino mentioned. City Councilmember Andrea Tupola mentioned the town will probably be including a lifeguard stand and the required staffing to the realm in early September.
