In a tragic turn of events, a snorkeling excursion on the idyllic beaches of Maui turned fatal for 64-year-old Ray Johnson. The Michigan native’s death has sparked a lawsuit against the Hawaii Tourism Authority and the Hawaii Visitors Convention Bureau, with his widow, Patti Johnson, alleging that a failure to warn tourists about the dangers of snorkeling contributed to her husband’s untimely demise.
Ray Johnson, an experienced snorkeler, lost his life in February 2022, with the official cause of death ruled as drowning—the leading cause of tourist fatalities in Hawaii. However, the circumstances surrounding his death suggest a more complex issue at play. According to Patti Johnson’s attorney, Jay Stuemke, Ray’s final moments were inconsistent with a typical drowning scenario. “He told a friend, ‘I’m having trouble breathing,’ and despite efforts to bring him ashore, he died on the beach,” Stuemke recounted.
The lawsuit cites a study that points to Rapid Onset Pulmonary Edema (ROPE) as a significant factor in snorkel-related fatalities. ROPE is a condition where fluid rapidly accumulates in the lungs, leading to severe hypoxia and, in some cases, death. The study suggests that waiting three days after flying before snorkeling could significantly reduce the risk of ROPE, a precaution that Ray Johnson was not informed about .
Patti Johnson’s grief is palpable. “There’s barely a minute in my life that goes by that I don’t think about him,” she shared with ABC7. The study referenced in the lawsuit indicates that the pressurization of airplane cabins, equivalent to an elevation of up to 8,500 feet, may predispose recent flyers to ROPE. “Ray should’ve been told that he was at particular risk,” Stuemke emphasized.
The lawsuit further alleges that the Hawaii Tourism Authority and related groups have been negligent in communicating these risks to tourists, despite having access to the study’s findings and warnings. Between 2012 and 2021, 184 tourists succumbed to snorkeling accidents, a stark contrast to the 20 local residents who faced the same fate.
The issue is compounded by the design of snorkels and the position snorkelers assume in the water, which can contribute to ROPE. Dr. Foti’s study notes that simpler snorkels generate less resistance, which could mitigate the risk. However, the lawsuit claims that the tourism authority has failed to act on this information, lea ving tourists like Ray Johnson vulnerable.
In response to her husband’s death, Patti Johnson has taken it upon herself to raise awareness about ROPE, distributing informational cards to potential snorkelers. “Please, don’t let what happened to Ray happen to you,” she urges, advocating for caution and education.
As the lawsuit progresses, the Hawaii Tourism Authority and other defendants have yet to comment publicly. Meanwhile, Patti Johnson’s efforts continue, a testament to her love and the hope that no other family endures a similar tragedy.
