Hawai‘i Island police have identified the body that was discovered in Hilo Bay on Thursday afternoon, February 23, 2023, as 59-year-old David Michael McManus, of Waikoloa. He also frequently stayed at a residence in Hilo.
Preliminary results of an autopsy performed Friday afternoon did not show signs of foul play; however, the final results are pending toxicology and additional forensic testing.
On Thursday afternoon, February 23, 2023, shortly after 4:15 p.m., South Hilo patrol officers and Hawai’i Fire Department personnel responded to the Hilo Bayfront area after a caller reported observing a body floating in the water approximately 200 yards offshore. The fire department chopper immediately located the lifeless body and brought it ashore.
Area I Criminal Investigation Section personnel responded to the scene to continue this investigation, which is currently classified as a coroner’s inquest.
The victim was transported to the Hilo Medical Center and officially pronounced dead at 5:29 p.m.
Police ask anyone who may have information relative to this case to call the police department’s non-emergency number at (808) 935-3311, or Detective Casey Cabral of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section at (808) 961-2384 or email Casey.Cabral@hawaiicounty.gov.
Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the islandwide Crime Stoppers number at (808) 961-8300. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.
