Hilo, Hawaiʻi – Hawaiʻi Island police detectives have identified one of two women whose remains were recovered from within the debris of a large banyan tree that collapsed on Kīlauea Avenue. The victim has been identified as 35-year-old Trisha Almazan of Keaʻau.
The second woman has not yet been positively identified, and detectives are continuing to work to confirm her identity through DNA comparison.
The discovery of the remains was made on Sunday, July 20, 2025. Following the recovery, autopsies were conducted on Tuesday, July 22. The forensic pathologist has ruled the cause of death for both women as mechanical asphyxiation, with the manner of death determined to be accidental.
The Hawaiʻi Police Department previously stated that preliminary observations indicated the women were likely struck by falling tree limbs. This new forensic information confirms the cause of death and aligns with the initial assessment. Police do not suspect foul play in the incident.
The investigation is ongoing. Police are asking anyone with information related to this investigation to contact Detective Sybastian Keltner of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section at (808) 961-2378 or via email at Sybastian.Keltner@hawaiicounty.gov. The police department’s non-emergency number is (808) 935-3311.