Oklahoma Mom Dies After Being Swept Out to Sea by Large Wave in Hawaii, Daughter Hospitalized

Mar. 15, 2025

gofundme

Two people have died, including an Oklahoma mom whose daughter was hospitalized, after all three were swept out to sea while visiting Hawaii.

Honolulu EMS and Ocean Safety spokesperson Shayne Enright said lifeguards swam out to the victims and used a rescue board to help bring them back to the beach, per the report.

The group was stuck in the water for 15 to 20 minutes before they were rescued, according to Shawn McGraw, who organized aGoFundMe campaignfor the victim’s family. Both Jett and Rich “were unresponsive” when they were found.

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Rich was also transported to the hospital in serious condition. McGraw said the daughter “is awake and responsive but still on oxygen as doctors continue to run tests to monitor her recovery and overall well-being.”

Nearly $6,000 has been raised through the GoFundMe campaign for Jett and Rich’s family. McGraw said the funds raised will help pay for needs such as “lodging, meals, transportation, medical, and other unknown expenses that will arise in the coming weeks and months.”

“We want to show their family as much love, compassion, and support as possible during this difficult time,” McGraw wrote on GoFundMe.

Honolulu Ocean Safety Lt. Kerry Atwood said waves at Ke Iki beach have “a long history of knocking people down [and] pulling them out” to sea.

source: people.com