A 26‑year‑old Kailua‑Kona man, Mathen Jackson, died Saturday afternoon after a jump from the cliffs at Lekeleke Bay, a scenic but notoriously dangerous shoreline in Keauhou often referred to as the “End of the World.” Hawaiʻi Island police said they received a call shortly after 5 p.m. on April 11 reporting a swimmer in distress in the turbulent waters below the lava rock cliffs.
Witnesses told officers that Jackson had been sharing food with a friend near the cliff’s edge before deciding to leap into the ocean. Once in the water, he quickly became overwhelmed by the strong currents and surging waves that are common in the area, prompting immediate concern from those on shore.
A 911 call was placed at 5:13 p.m., and both Jackson’s friend and a passerby—identified in reports as a former firefighter—entered the water in an attempt to reach him. The pair battled rough surf as they worked to keep Jackson afloat and move him toward help.
Their efforts were aided by a nearby tour boat that responded to the distress call. Crew members pulled Jackson aboard, where CPR was immediately initiated. An automated external defibrillator (AED) was also used as rescuers attempted to revive him while waiting for emergency personnel to arrive.
Despite the rapid response and extensive life‑saving measures, Jackson could not be revived. He was later pronounced dead, and police opened a coroner’s inquest investigation to determine the precise cause of death. Authorities noted that no foul play is suspected at this time.
Lekeleke Bay, while popular with thrill‑seekers and sightseers, has long been recognized as a hazardous location due to its unpredictable surf and powerful currents. Jackson’s death has renewed attention to the dangers of cliff‑jumping in the area, as investigators continue reviewing the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.