The Tragic Loss Of Andrew Hamilton: Inside The Bathtub Drowning Incident That Rocked Hawaii’s Surfing Community

The tragic death of Andrew Samuel Hamilton, the 3-year-old nephew of professional surfer Bethany Hamilton, sent shockwaves through the close-knit Hawaii community and beyond in late 2024. This devastating incident, which occurred following a drowning accident in a bathtub at the family's home, serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the silent and swift danger water poses to young children, even in seemingly safe environments. The outpouring of support for the Hamilton family highlights the deep impact Andrew's short life had on those around him.

The news, which became public in October 2024, prompted his famous aunt, Bethany Hamilton, to issue an emotional and urgent plea for prayers and support on social media, bringing the intimate tragedy into the global spotlight. This article provides a comprehensive and up-to-date account of the incident, the family involved, and the critical water safety discussions that followed this profound loss.

Andrew Samuel Hamilton: A Brief Biography and Family Profile

Andrew Samuel Hamilton was a beloved member of a prominent surfing family in Hawaii. His life, though brief, was filled with love and connection to the ocean-centric lifestyle of the islands.

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Full Name: Andrew Samuel Hamilton

Age: 3 years old

Date of Birth: December 26, 2020

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Date of Incident: Evening of Friday, October 11, 2024

Date of Death: Thursday, October 17, 2024

Parents: Timothy "Tim" Hamilton and Kyah Hamilton

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Aunt: Bethany Hamilton (Professional Surfer and inspiration behind the movie Soul Surfer)

Location of Incident: Family home in Hawaii

Andrew was the fifth child of Timothy and Kyah Hamilton, who are raising a large and active family. His passing was a profound loss to his parents, siblings, and the extended Hamilton family, including his famous aunt, Bethany, who is known globally for her resilience after surviving a shark attack.

Timeline of the October 2024 Drowning Incident on Oahu

The incident that led to Andrew Hamilton’s death began on Friday, October 11, 2024, under ordinary, domestic circumstances that quickly turned catastrophic.

The 3-year-old was reportedly running a fever and had thrown up. To help him feel better, he was placed in a bathtub with approximately six inches of water to soak.

The bathtub was located only about 15 feet from the kitchen and living area, suggesting the parents were close by. Despite the proximity, Andrew was found unconscious in the tub after a brief moment of inattention.

He was immediately rushed to a local hospital and subsequently medevaced to the Kapiʻolani Medical Center for Women & Children in Oahu, Honolulu, a facility known for its specialized pediatric care.

During this critical period, Bethany Hamilton took to Instagram to share the devastating news and ask her millions of followers for urgent prayers, revealing that her "precious nephew" had a heartbeat and was fighting for his life.

Despite the best efforts of the medical team and the prayers of supporters worldwide, Andrew succumbed to his injuries one week after the initial incident, passing away on October 17, 2024.

The Hamilton Family’s Public Response and Call for Awareness

The Hamilton family, known for their strong Christian faith and public presence, used their platform not only to mourn but also to emphasize the fragility of life and the importance of water safety.

Bethany Hamilton's Emotional Plea

Bethany Hamilton’s initial social media post was an emotional plea for help, stating, "HELP‼️ My precious nephew was medevaced to Kapiolani in Oahu this morning after drowning last night. He still has a heartbeat and has fight in him."

Following Andrew’s passing, both Bethany and his father, Timothy Hamilton, shared heartfelt tributes and announcements of his death, thanking the community for their prayers and support during the difficult week.

The public nature of their grief resonated with many, turning a private tragedy into a moment of collective reflection on child safety.

Drowning: The Silent Danger and Critical Water Safety in Hawaii

Andrew Hamilton’s death underscores a critical public health issue: the risk of drowning, which is the leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for children aged one to four years old globally.

While Hawaii is famous for its beaches and ocean activities, drowning is a significant concern for residents and tourists alike. For children, the danger often lies not in the ocean, but in the home.

• Bathtub Risk: For infants and toddlers under the age of one, the highest percentage of unintentional drowning deaths occur in bathtubs.
• Shallow Water: A child can drown in as little as one inch of water, and it can happen in seconds without a sound.
• Leading Cause of Death: Drowning is tragically the leading cause of death for children in Hawaii between the ages of 1 and 15 years old, according to the state Department of Health.

The circumstances of Andrew’s death—a drowning in a bathtub just feet away from a caregiver—highlight the need for constant, uninterrupted supervision, often referred to as "touch supervision," when a young child is near or in any water source.

Essential Water Safety Tips for Parents

Experts, including those from Hawaii Pacific Health and the YMCA of Honolulu, stress that the only way to prevent such tragedies is through a layered approach to water safety.

• Constant Supervision: Never leave a child unattended in or near water, even for a moment to answer a phone or grab a towel. Put the cell phone away and forget about distractions.
• Empty All Containers: Immediately empty all bathtubs, buckets, and wading pools after use.
• Barriers and Alarms: For homes with pools, install four-sided fencing with self-latching gates and alarms.
• CPR Training: Parents and caregivers should know CPR, as immediate response is crucial in drowning incidents.
• Swim Lessons: Enroll children in swim lessons as soon as they are ready, though this should never replace active supervision.

The loss of Andrew Samuel Hamilton serves as a profound and painful reminder that water safety is not just about the ocean or the pool; it is a 24/7 concern within the home. The Hamilton family’s courage in sharing their grief has undoubtedly prompted thousands of parents to re-evaluate their own water safety practices, potentially saving other young lives from a similar fate.