According to the Honolulu Medical Examiner's Office, Jack Banaszynski, 68, of Palm Springs, CA, died this week from para-sailing injuries sustained in Hawaii on January 30.
According to the fire department, Banaszynski and another man, also from Palm Springs, were on a tandem para-sailing ride off Kewalo Basin when they suddenly descended and were dragged some 1,000 feet in the water.
Crew from the X-treme Parasail vessel were able to pull the men back into the boat and begin CPR. Both men went to the ER in critical condition.
COMMENT: An autopsy will be performed next week on Mr. Banaszynski. Although there remain questions that remain to be answered, it appears that the tow boat did not have constant visual surveillance of the two men, for them to descend and be pulled through the water for such a distance. The US Coast Guard is investigating.
When it comes to engaging in sport activities such as para-sailing, it is essential that tourists try to get some consensus from credible sources (i.g., Marine police, USCG, etc.) as to who reputable vendors are before engaging in such activity. It's also useful to ask for testimonials.
This posting will be updated as new information becomes available.
