Man found dead during search for missing woman on Hawaii Island

KEAAU (HawaiiNewsNow) - A missing persons case on Hawaii Island continues — and now police are also investigating the death of a man in Hawaiian Paradise Park.

On Thursday afternoon, authorities were executing a search warrant at a home on 15th Avenue looking for 38-year-old Ashley Kuregian, who was last seen in the area last Tuesday.

When officers identified themselves at the residence, they heard a “loud pop.”

They then cordoned off the area and told nearby neighbors to stay inside.

“A special response team cleared the residence and while doing so they located the deceased body of a male individual,” said Lt. Zachary Fernando of the Hawaii Police Department.

“One firearm recovered from within the residence and the identification is being withheld at this time pending positive identification.”

Authorities say it appears the man shot himself.

Meanwhile, officials said Kuregian was not at the home and they are still asking the public for help finding her.

She’s 5-foot-5, weighing 125 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. She is known to frequent the Pahoa and Kalapana areas.

If you have any tips, call (808)935-3311.

This story may be updated.