Ruling in GI’s death awaits medical tests

The medical examiner has deferred a determination of the cause of death for a 32-year-old Schofield Barracks soldier who was found in a Jeep with another person earlier this month at Kaena Point.

Christopher Holbrook and a 25-year-old woman were found March 8 unconscious in the vehicle, which was stuck in about three feet of water with the engine running.

Holbrook was declared brain-dead March 13 and taken off life support systems three days later, according to Honolulu Police Traffic Lt. Bobby Towne.

Towne said the woman is still under medical treatment.

The cause of death is pending the results of medical tests, which the Medical Examiner’s Office estimates could take up to six weeks.

Towne said police traffic investigators still think that Holbrook died of carbon monoxide poisoning.

The Army said Holbrook was assigned to the 25th Infantry Division.

Police have said a bystander had to break the back window of the Jeep to pull the unconscious couple out.