Police Recover Bodies of 2 Women From Fallen Banyan Tree in Hilo

Two women were found dead deep within the debris of a large banyan tree that toppled over on Kīlauea Avenue in Hilo, Hawaii, on July 12. Their remains were only discovered on July 20 after crews from the Hawai‘i County Department of Public Works, a county-contracted tree trimming company, and the Hawai‘i Fire Department spent hours cutting through the tangled branches to gain access. Preliminary observations indicate the women were likely struck by falling tree limbs, and police do not suspect foul play. The women were pronounced dead at 4:28 p.m. on the day their bodies were recovered. Autopsies are planned to determine the exact cause of death, and the victims' identities are pending positive identification and next of kin notification. Authorities have requested anyone with information to contact Detective Sybastian Keltner or Crime Stoppers.