A California couple’s romantic honeymoon abruptly ended after the husband drowned during a snorkeling excursion.
Steven Phan, 49, and his wife were snorkeling off the shore of Electric Beach in Oahu on June 1 when he disappeared underwater, according to KITV4. Phan was eventually pulled to shore by a spear diver where bystanders performed CPR. He later died at the hospital.
“It’s tragic to see these circumstances like yesterday,” said John Titchen, chief of Honolulu’s Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services Division in an interview with KITV4.
To make matters worse, thieves stole the Phan’s rental car as the husband drowned; taking all of their possessions, clothing, phones, and money. A GoFundMe page set up by a friend of the Phan family confirmed the couple’s rental and belongings were stolen during the tragedy.
“As if this could not be worse, all of Brittany and Steven’s belongings were stolen, the thieves took their cell phones, wallets, money, clothing, they even stole their car rental,” the fundraiser’s descriptions read.
Although Electric Beach is a popular destination for tourists visiting Oahu, Titchen says more safety precautions need to be taken to protect beach visitors. According to KITV4, the city is preparing to install additional lifeguard towers in case of emergencies.
“This is a place where we have long known we need more of an ocean safety presence,” Titchen said. “And so any time we see a case like this before we can get set up and get in here and get established, it’s heartbreaking.”
Travelers and locals are stunned by the tragedy and thievery endured by the Phan family.
“That’s just unreal, you question that person as a human being,” said spear fisherman Shin Tamashiro to KITV4.
The GoFundMe description says that Phan’s friends and family “are all shocked, in disbelief, and heartbroken at the loss of such a great man as Steven.” All donations from the GoFundMe will go toward Phan’s funeral, memorial, and any unforeseen expenses following his death.
