Late legendary waterman Eddie Aikau‘s nephew, Gerald Aikau, allegedly took his own life after taking the life of his seven-year-old son. The tragic incident occurred on June 14th.
The Medical examiner has now released the official cause of death in the murder-suicide involving Aikau and his son, Reef Aikau. The bodies were found at the Aikau family compound on Auwaiolimu Street last week.
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The reports says Gerald used a sharp object on the boy and on himself. He then hung himself.
Police responded early Tuesday morning to an Aikau family residence in Pauoa Valley on Oahu, the same house where Eddie grew up, to find the sullen scene. Gerald, 42, was hanging from the tree outside, while his young son, Reef, was found lifeless inside the home.
Court records showed issues between Gerald and his estranged wife, Katherine Aikau. Reports cited physical abuse, mental illness, and drug use. Gerald had recently undergone treatment for his substance abuse and planned to enter a treatment program in Palm Springs. h/t surfline
According to Wikipedia, Eddie Aikau, born, Edward Ryon Makuahanai Aikau, (Kahului, Hawaii, May 4, 1946 – March 17, 1978,) was a well-known Hawaiian lifeguard and surfer. The words Makua Hanai in Eddie Aikau’s full name mean feeding parent, an adoptive, nurturing, fostering parent, in the Hawaiian language. As the first lifeguard at Waimea Bay on the island of Oahu, he saved over 500 people and became famous for surfing the big Hawaiian surf, winning several awards including the 1977 Duke Kahanamoku Invitational Surfing Championship.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends at this difficult time.