Staff Reports
A Michigan woman is taking legal action against the state of Hawaii and a resort after her husband passed away while they were snorkeling, allegedly due to a little-known condition. Patti and Ray Johnson visited the islands in February 2022, a trip they had made numerous times before. However, during this visit, Ray experienced breathing difficulties while snorkeling off the coast of Maui and tragically died on the beach at the age of 64.
Woman Suing State of Hawaii After Husband's Snorkeling Death – Hardly Anyone Knows About This Danger via @WestJournalism https://t.co/Y3ngZgEmsy
— paula ritchie (@paularitchie3) May 12, 2024
Patti believes that her husband fell victim to a condition called rapid onset pulmonary edema (ROPE), which can be fatal for individuals who snorkel after being exposed to high altitudes. She is suing the state, the hotel they stayed at, the Hawaii Tourism Authority, and the Hawaii Visitors Convention Bureau, alleging that tourists are not adequately informed about the dangers of ROPE.
According to Patti and her lawyer Jay Stuemke, the long flight to Hawaii may have contributed to Ray’s death, as high altitudes can have an impact on lung function. The lawsuit aims to raise awareness about the potential risks of snorkeling after air travel, and Patti wants all travelers to Hawaii to be informed about this acute condition.
Patti recounted the confusion and distress she experienced as she witnessed her husband struggling for breath and eventually passing away. Despite the coroner ruling Ray’s cause of death as drowning, Patti maintains that it did not make sense and wishes for people to be made aware of the potential dangers of snorkeling after air travel.
The Hawaii State Department of Health and the Hawaii Tourism Authority have previously acknowledged that recent prolonged air travel may be a contributing factor to ROPE, based on a Snorkel Safety Study conducted between 2017 and 2019.
The underwater phenomenon experienced by Ray Johnson highlights the need for travelers to be informed about potential health risks while engaging in water sports after long flights. Patti’s lawsuit seeks to shed light on these dangers and prevent others from experiencing similar tragedies while on vacation.
