Hawaii tourist dies on Maui beach, and wife alleges state failed to warn her about snorkelin

Hawaii tourist dies on Maui beach, and wife alleges state failed to warn her about snorkelin

In a tragic incident that has sparked legal and public safety concerns, a Michigan tourist died while snorkeling off a beach in Maui, Hawaii.

His wife, Patricia Johnson, has since filed a lawsuit against the state of Hawaii, alleging that authorities failed to adequately warn visitors about the risks associated with snorkeling — particularly the risk of a condition known as Rapid Onset Pulmonary Edema (ROPE).

 

Ray Johnson, 64, was an experienced snorkeler who had traveled with his wife to Hawaii for a relaxing vacation.

Shortly after arriving on the island, he went snorkeling off the coast of Maui.

Not long into the swim, he became unresponsive and was later pronounced dead.

While initial assumptions pointed to drowning, Patricia believes that her husband suffered from ROPE — a condition that causes a sudden buildup of fluid in the lungs, leading to breathing difficulties, unconsciousness, and potentially death. ROPE has been increasingly identified as a possible cause of snorkeling-related deaths, particularly among visitors who have recently taken long-haul flights.

 

Patricia Johnson’s lawsuit names several entities, including the Hawaii Tourism Authority, the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, and the Fairmont Kea Lani resort. She argues that despite a 2017 state-funded study linking many snorkeling deaths to ROPE, little has been done to educate tourists about the condition or how to prevent it.

According to her legal complaint, the lack of visible warnings, advisories, or information materials left her and her husband unaware of the potential risks.

 

Statistical data appears to support her concerns. Between 2012 and 2021, snorkeling incidents claimed the lives of 184 tourists in Hawaii, compared to just 20 residents.

Experts suggest that visitors, often unfamiliar with ocean conditions and affected by recent air travel, may be more susceptible to ROPE. Despite the pattern, many tourists continue to snorkel shortly after arriving, unaware that their lungs may still be recovering from air pressure changes and dehydration caused by long flights.

 

Since her husband’s death, Patricia has made it a personal mission to raise awareness about ROPE.

She has begun handing out informational cards to fellow travelers in airports and resorts, explaining the symptoms and risks associated with the condition.

Her goal is to prevent similar tragedies from occurring and to push Hawaii tourism officials to adopt better educational practices for water safety.

As the lawsuit moves forward, state officials and the named organizations have not offered public comments.

However, the case has reignited calls for better safety regulations and transparency regarding recreational ocean activities in Hawaii.

Advocates argue that clearer signage, tourist advisories, and informational campaigns could make a significant difference.

 

Patricia Johnson remains firm in her belief that her husband’s death was preventable.

With the lawsuit, she hopes not only to seek accountability but also to initiate lasting change that could help save lives in the future.