18-year-old Kailua-Kona man dies in possible diving accident

Oct 15, 2026

An 18-year-old from Kailua-Kona died after a dive off Hawaii Island, a loss for his family and the Kona community.

  • Jovin Young went missing while diving at Pebble Beach near Captain Cook when his friend lost sight of him.
  • Search and rescue crews pulled him from the water hours later; he was pronounced dead at Kona Community Hospital.
  • Police do not suspect foul play, and an autopsy has been ordered to find the cause of death.
  • Young grew up on Oahu, moved to Kona in ninth grade, and graduated from Konawaena High School as a scholar athlete who played basketball all four years.
  • He leaves behind his parents, a sister and brother, and a girlfriend he had been with since freshman year; he had planned to join the Coast Guard.

Outlook: The autopsy results will determine whether the death was a drowning or had another medical cause.

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