Navy sailor dies after rescuing two children from rough Hawaiian surf

KEKAHA, Hawaii – A 47-year-old naval officer died Saturday after plunging into the rough waters of the Pacific Ocean to save to rescue two children struggling in high surf, the Kaua'i Police Department announced.

Master-at-Arms First Class Jeffrey Diaz, of Florida, who was stationed at the Pacific Missile Range Facility, Barking Sands, heroically entered the dangerous water to assist two children in distress near Waiapua‘a Bay on Kaua'i. While the children safely made it back to shore, Diaz encountered trouble in the deadly Hawaiian surf.

Personnel from Kaua'i's Ocean Safety Bureau and the local fire and emergency services department recovered Diaz from the water and began lifesaving efforts. ---More...

ULTIMATE SACRIFICE: A Florida sailor stationed in Hawaii died after heroically rescuing two children in Waiapuaʻa Bay. Master-at-Arms 1st Class Jeffrey Diaz, 47, died Saturday, authorities said.https://t.co/fz3bYhqpgX

— Fox News (@FoxNews)November 26, 2025

ULTIMATE SACRIFICE: A Florida sailor stationed in Hawaii died after heroically rescuing two children in Waiapuaʻa Bay. Master-at-Arms 1st Class Jeffrey Diaz, 47, died Saturday, authorities said