Hawai‘i Island police have conclusively ruled out foul play in the recent death of 29-year-old Kala’iokealaula Ashley Nicole Reyes Kanekoa of Kea‘au. Kanekoa had reportedly fallen off the sea cliff, into the ocean and later drowned. Area I Criminal Investigation Section detectives interviewed Kanekoa’s boyfriend who reported the incident and was present at the scene, as well as numerous witnesses and residents in the area where the incident occurred. HPD also reviewed residential video surveillance from a nearby home which showed no indication of foul play when Kanekoa went over the sea cliff into the ocean. During an autopsy performed on February 20, 2024, the forensic pathologist ruled that Kanekoa died as a result of an accidental drowning, with no indication of foul play; however, the final autopsy report is pending standard toxicology testing. Anyone who may have information relative to this investigation is asked to call Detective Paul Mangus of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section, at (808) 961-2383 or via email paul.mangus@hawaiicounty.gov.
