Sgt. Joelle Pamplona, left, then holding the rank of specialist, working in October 2023 with an unidentified patient at Madigan Army Medical Center on Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington. He drowned Nov. 11, 2024, while surfing in Hawaii on vacation. (U.S. Army)
A man who died on Veterans Day while snorkeling in heavy surf off the north shore of Oahu in Hawaii has been identified as a soldier stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state.
Sgt. Joelle Pamplona, 29, was a physical therapist at Madigan Army Medical Center on the Army-Air Force installation south of Seattle, the Army confirmed Monday. He was on a private trip to Hawaii, officials said.
The Honolulu Ocean Safety Department reported Pamplona and two unidentified friends went snorkeling in the ocean off Three Tables Beach on Oahu on Veteran’s Day. The popular snorkeling spot is adjacent to the Pupukea Marine Life Conservation District, known among divers as a top site for spotting sea turtles.
Beaches along the island’s north shore were restricted by authorities on Nov. 11 due to heavy winter surf, with reports of waves up to 10 feet high. Signs warned visitors not to go into the ocean, and that no lifeguards would be on duty in the area.
Witnesses told the Honolulu Ocean Safety Department that the three snorkelers were hit by a large swell that pushed them across an outcropping of sharp coral.
“They’re all waving, and the wave literally blew them right over the reef, and both of them were cut head to toe after that — the third guy, he was under,” Eric Olson, a resident who witnessed the incident, told Honolulu television station KHON.
Honolulu Ocean Safety reported people on the beach saw the snorkelers struggling and contacted emergency responders. Officials said lifeguards were on the scene within seven minutes of the first call for assistance at 3:20 p.m. And were soon joined by police and fire units.
Ocean Safety lifeguards on jet skis rescued the two injured snorkelers and searched for Pamplona. A Honolulu Fire Department Bell 429 helicopter was dispatched to search the coastline and further to sea.
Lifeguards located Pamplona’s body in the water about one hour after the incident. Honolulu Emergency Services Department paramedics attempted to revive him at the beach. He was transported to an area hospital, where he was declared dead.
The other two snorkelers were treated at the beach for lacerations but declined transport to the hospital.
“We are deeply saddened by his unexpected loss,” said Col. Hope Williamson-Younce, Madigan Army Medical Center commander. “Sergeant Pamplona was a vibrant and kind-hearted individual who was a highly respected member of our team. His infectious, positive attitude brought joy to everyone around him. He will be greatly missed by his patients, teammates, and the Army community. We are committed to providing support to his family and friends through this difficult time. His warmth and enthusiasm for life will be remembered by the countless lives he touched.”
According to the Army, Pamplona grew up in Southern California and graduated in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from California State University, Fullerton. He joined the service in August 2021, completed basic training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and advanced individual training at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas.
Pamplona received advanced physical therapy training at Tripler Army Medical Center on Oahu. He was most recently a physical therapy student coordinator and instructor with the Medical Readiness Battalion at Madigan Army Medical Center at Lewis-McChord.
By 2018, while in college, Pamplona broke the state squat powerlifting record for his weight class. Injuries led him to an interest in rehabilitation through physical therapy. He credited the Army with giving him the opportunity to swiftly train and work with patients.
Pamplona was the third person to drown on the north shore of Hawaii in November, according to state statistics. The area is famous for its late autumn and winter surf, with professional big wave surf contests held annually at Sunset Beach, Banzai Pipeline and Waimea Bay.
The Hawaii Department of Health has reported more than 920 people have drowned in the ocean in the past 10 years. Slightly more than half of those reported to have died were visitors to the islands.
