Tacoma man dies after being found unresponsive at Pierce County beach
A Tacoma man who died after an emergency at a Steilacoom beach has been identified.
The News Tribune previously reported on the incident, which happened on Friday, June 26 at about 12:04 p.m. at Sunnyside Beach.
“Initial reports indicated a diver suffered an emergency in the water and was found unresponsive. Bystanders pulled the diver to shore and began life-saving efforts,” the Steilacoom Department of Public Safety wrote in a Facebook post. “The patient was ultimately transported to the emergency room.”
The Pierce County Medical Examiner’s public portal says the man was 23-year-old Haley Hicks.
A cause of death has not yet been listed.
Hicks was “participating in organized group diving activities” when his death occurred, according to the Facebook post.
“Pierce County Sheriff’s Office and the Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office will continue with follow up investigation,” the post said. “A Pierce County family has received tragic news. Our hearts are with them.”
This story was originally published June 29, 2026 at 11:58 AM.
