Army sergeant drowns while snorkeling on Hawaii vacation

A 29-year-old Army sergeant stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord died on Veterans Day in a drowning incident while snorkeling in heavy surf on vacation in Hawaii.

Sgt. Joelle Pamplona served as a physical therapist at Madigan Army Medical Center, Washington, part of Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Army officials said.

The Honolulu Ocean Safety Department reported that Pamplona and two friends were snorkeling on Oahu’s north shore off Three Tables Beach on Nov. 11, according to Stars and Stripes.

That day, authorities issued advisories and restrictions for area beaches due to rough conditions caused by heavy winter surf. Some reports reported waves as high as 10 feet.

Witnesses told safety officials that a large swell hit the three snorkelers, ramming them into a bulge of sharp coral.

“They’re all waving, and the wave literally blew them right over the reef, and both of them were cut head to toe after that — the third guy, he was under,” said Eric Olson, a resident who witnessed the incident, according Stars and Stripes.

Witnesses saw the snorkelers struggle in the heavy surf and called emergency responders. Lifeguards arrived within seven minutes of the first call, according to authorities.

Lifeguards used jet skis to rescue two of the injured snorkelers. The Honolulu Fire Department dispatched a helicopter to conduct a coastline and sea search.

About an hour later, lifeguards located Pamplona’s body. Attempts to revive him were unsuccessful. He was declared dead at an area hospital.

“Sergeant Pamplona was a vibrant and kind-hearted individual who was a highly respected member of our team. His infectious, positive attitude brought joy to everyone around him,” Col. Hope Williamson-Younce, Madigan Army Medical Center commander, told Stars and Stripes. “He will be greatly missed by his patients, teammates, and the Army community. We are committed to providing support to his family and friends through this difficult time. His warmth and enthusiasm for life will be remembered by the countless lives he touched.”

Pamplona enlisted in the Army in August 2021. He graduated from basic training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and advanced individual training at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas.

The Southern California native completed advanced physical therapy training at Tripler Army Medical Center on Oahu. He served as a physical therapy coordinator and instructor at the Medical Readiness Battalion on JBLM.

Pamplona was featured in an Army release in October 2023 about his work as a physical therapist, where he talked about making a difference with patients.

“It’s the reason I picked this job,” Pamplona said. “It makes my day every time knowing that I helped someone and that now they are living their best life again.”