A 72-year-old woman from California died after being pulled from the water at Hanalei Beach Park on Thursday afternoon, April 24th, 2025, reports the County of Kauai.
The incident happened around 12:45 p.m. Bystanders noticed the woman floating near the water’s edge and brought her to shore. Emergency crews from the Kauai Fire Department and American Medical Response arrived shortly after and began life-saving efforts.
Fehr was taken to Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital in Kapaa, where she was pronounced dead.
(Facebook photo)
The woman has been identified as Ricki Fehr, a visitor from California. Officials say foul play is not suspected, and an autopsy will be done to determine the exact cause of death.
Hanalei Beach, known for its stunning backdrop of green mountains and gentle bay waters, is a popular destination for both locals and visitors. While generally considered safe, ocean conditions can change quickly, particularly during seasonal swells.
Fehr at Tunnels Beach in 2019. (Facebook)
Fehr was no stranger to the ocean. Photos on Fehr’s Facebook page show her learning to scuba dive at Tunnels Beach in 2019 and taking photos with an underwater camera in Tahiti while snorkeling.
Photo by Ricki Fehr while snorkeling in Tahiti in 2013. (Facebook)
SOURCE: County of Kauai
PHOTO: Hanalei Beach (Kauai Magazine)
