Big Island police are investigating the death of a 69-year-old Waiohinu man found unresponsive after trying to help a neighbor douse a structure fire Wednesday night in Ka’u. Big Island police are investigating the death of a 69-year-old Waiohinu man
Big Island police are investigating the death of a 69-year-old Waiohinu man found unresponsive after trying to help a neighbor douse a structure fire Wednesday night in Ka‘u.
Gerald Erickson was found outside a Kamaoa Road home after he had attempted to help the homeowner extinguish the blaze prior to the Hawaii Fire Department’s arrival, according to the Hawaii Police Department. Erickson had apparently been summoned by the homeowner to help put out the fire, which started in the kitchen around 8:30 p.m.
When the residence began to fill with smoke, the homeowner told Erickson to go outside and call 911, according to police. Shortly thereafter, he found Erickson unresponsive and initiated cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Erickson was later transported by medics to Hilo Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at 3:30 a.m. Thursday. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
Damage to the four bedroom residence was estimated at $50,000. An unattended pot on the stove was deemed the ignition source, according to the fire department which extinguished the blaze about 9 p.m.
