What happened?
A U.S. Navy sailor stationed in Hawaii died after saving two children from dangerous high surf at Waiapua‘a Bay on Saturday. Master-at-Arms 1st Class Jeffrey Diaz, 47, originally from Florida, entered the water when he saw the children struggling in rough conditions near the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) in Barking Sands.
According to the Kaua‘i Police Department (KPD), Diaz successfully got the children headed back toward shore. However, he soon encountered difficulty in the powerful surf. Emergency crews with the Ocean Safety Bureau and Barking Sands Fire and Emergency Services later found him unresponsive and began immediate lifesaving efforts. Diaz was transported to Kaua‘i Veterans Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Heroic final moments
Diaz’s wife, Keyonna Fairley, shared emotional details of his final moments. She said their 9-year-old son had been swept out by a strong wave. Diaz told his older son to return to shore, then swam out to rescue the younger child.
Her son recalled Diaz pushing him toward safety while swimming with one arm. When he grew exhausted, Diaz reportedly told him, “You’re going to have to get off my back. I’m going to drown. I want you to go. Don’t stop. You got this. I love you.”
Those were the last words he heard from his father. The child made it back to shore safely. Diaz’s body was later found on the beach.
Who was Jeffrey Diaz?
Diaz enlisted in the Navy in 1997 and arrived at PMRF in October. His previous assignments included the guided-missile destroyer USS Ross and Navy Support Facility Diego Garcia. His awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and Navy Unit Commendation, among others.
Capt. Robert Prince, commanding officer of PMRF, described the loss as heartbreaking, stating that Diaz was a beloved shipmate and friend.
Police say foul play is not suspected, and an autopsy is pending.
The family’s future
Fairley said the family had only been living in Kauai for three months. Diaz planned to retire after this tour of duty.
