Olomana hiker who fell worked and played hard

Nathan Stowell started working on a farm for a small family business more than five years ago for his room and board.

But he quickly impressed his boss with his exceptional traits and grew into a “pivotal role” in the business and a beloved member of the family, said hanai brother Andrew Compean, whose family owns Hawaiian Fresh Farms and Handy Andy Hawaii.

Stowell, 24, who had taken the reins as general manager of both companies, died Sunday, falling 400 feet off the Olomana Trail. The Honolulu Medical Examiner’s Office, which identified him Monday, determined he died of blunt force injuries of head, torso and extremities.

“Nathan Stowell has been a member of our family since he was 19 years old,” James Keener, Compean’s step­father, said Sunday in a Facebook post. “I loved and cared for him as a son. … He tragically fell while hiking this morning and died the way he lived, taking chances, and living everyday to its fullest.”

Stowell was hiking the third peak of the Olomana Trail with best friends and co-workers Phil, Brice (last names not provided) and Nick Compean, another hanai brother, when Phil’s hat flew and landed about 10 feet away, said Andrew Compean.

Phil felt uneasy about trying to get it and saw how dangerous it was, Compean said. “Nate, the hard charger that he is, said, ‘I got it,’ and went down there. It cost him his life.”

Stowell, originally from Phoenix, loved hiking, the beach, surfing, camping and working out.

“He had a smile that could brighten up a room, and had great charisma,” Compean said.

“(He) had an aptitude to do everything,” Compean said. “He’s the hardest- working guy I’ve ever met.”

Keener recognized his ability to manage people and promoted him to general manager over 35 employees.

“He is heartbroken,” Compean said. “He essentially lost a son. … His future was so bright.”