A family in South Carolina is seeking support after the death of a loved one in a scuba diving incident in Hawaiʻi, with a verified fundraising campaign now shedding more light on the tragedy.
According to a report by WACH FOX, Charles “CJ” Hutchinson died following a scuba diving emergency off the coast of Kona on April 15, 2026. Emergency responders were called to assist a diver in distress, but despite efforts to save him, he was later pronounced dead.
The incident has since been corroborated by the Hawaiʻi Police Department, which confirmed that a man identified as Charles Hutchinson died after being brought ashore and transported to hospital. Authorities have not yet released further details on the cause of the incident, and standard post-mortem procedures are expected.
In the days following his death, family members launched a fundraiser titled Bringing Charles Home: Help with Final Arrangements, which confirms Hutchinson’s identity, location, and the circumstances surrounding his passing.
The campaign states that Hutchinson died while scuba diving in Kona and aims to cover the costs of transporting his body back to South Carolina, along with funeral expenses. At the time of writing, the fundraiser has already attracted significant support, reflecting the impact of the loss on family, friends, and the wider community.
While diver fatalities remain relatively rare, incidents like this serve as a stark reminder of the importance of safety, preparation, and rapid emergency response when diving, particularly in unfamiliar environments. Kona, on Hawaiʻi’s Big Island, is widely regarded as one of the world’s premier dive destinations, known for its clear waters and unique pelagic encounters.
No further details have been released regarding the dive profile, conditions, or contributing factors, and it remains unclear whether the diver was part of an organised excursion or diving independently.
The Scuba News will continue to monitor this story and provide updates as more information becomes available.
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