Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
WEST VALLEY CITY — A candlelight vigil was held Tuesday night for a Utah man who is missing and presumed dead after being swept into the ocean by a wave in Hawaii.
Steven Espinoza, 34, of Pleasant Grove, was swept into the ocean after he and a 23-year-old man were standing on rocks near “Olivine Pools,” on the Kahekili Highway in West Maui on Monday afternoon.
According to MauiNow.com, the two men were standing near the water’s edge, taking photos with two women, when a wave broke over the rock they were standing on and knocked the men into the water. A second wave broke over the rock and dragged the two women across the jagged rocks.
When the man and two women got up, Espinoza was nowhere to be found. Other witnesses reported seeing him in the water, but lost sight of him.
Both women suffered minor injuries. The 23-year-old man suffered multiple lacerations and was taken to a local hospital by helicopter in stable condition. Rescue crews suspended their search late Monday afternoon and resumed the search Tuesday.
The family of Espinoza held a candlelight vigil at 7 p.m. Tuesday at 3405 S. 4400 West in West Valley City. The family also set up a GoFundMe* account as well.
Update: On Wednesday night, an Espinoza family member told KSL the body of Steven had not been found yet. The family member said there was another female who witnessed Steven taken by the wave and saw that he was pushed against the rocks, was bleeding, but was still swimming until he disappeared out of sight.
The family member told KSL the U.S. Coast Guard would cease the rescue search at sundown Wednesday. However, there is a non profit organization of volunteers who said they would continue the search on Thursday. Lastly, the family member said the volunteers have "cadaver dogs" and are hopeful they can find Espinoza's body.
*KSL.com does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
