Police said 49-year-old Karl Newman “reportedly lost his footing and fell” from the waterfall, which they estimated to be 60 feet in height
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A Hawaii man has died after falling over a waterfall, according to authorities.
Police responded to the area of Hana Highway at 12:43 p.m. local time on Saturday, Feb. 8, after receiving a report about an unresponsive male near mile marker 6.75, according to a news release from the Maui Police Department (MPD).
Karl Newman, 49, of Waikapu was found dead at the scene, police said.
According to police, Newman “was hiking with acquaintances when he reportedly lost his footing and fell” from the waterfall.
A helicopter was needed to extract Newman’s body from the scene “due to the location and height of the waterfall,” which authorities estimated to be about 60 feet in height.
His official cause of death has not been released, but police said a preliminary investigation determined there were no signs of foul play in connection with Newman’s death.
An autopsy has been scheduled, though police did not say when it will be performed.
“The Maui Police Department extends our deepest condolences to Mr. Newman’s family and friends,” the department added in a statement.
The fatal incident occurred near Hana Highway, which leads travelers “through flourishing rainforests, flowing waterfalls, plunging pools and dramatic seascapes,” according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority.
Travelers are encouraged to “exercise caution and take your time” in the area due to “challenging turns and narrow bridges along the way.”
