Hilo, Hawaiʻi – Hawaiʻi Island police have confirmed the recovery of the remains of two adult women from within the debris of a large banyan tree that recently collapsed on Kīlauea Avenue in Hilo. The recovery operation took place on Sunday afternoon, July 20, 2025.
Personnel from the Area I Criminal Investigation Section, Hawaiʻi Fire Department (HFD), and a body removal service spent several hours extricating the remains from deep within the banyan tree, which had originally fallen on Saturday, July 12.
Earlier today, authorities announced they had launched an investigation after initial human remains were discovered in the tree’s debris. Crews from the Hawaiʻi County Department of Public Works and a county-contracted tree trimming company assisted HFD by cutting away large branches to allow access to the victims.
Preliminary observations from police indicate the women were likely struck by falling tree limbs. Both women were pronounced dead at 4:28 p.m.
Autopsies are scheduled to be conducted later this week to determine the exact cause of death. At this time, police do not suspect foul play in the incident. The identities of the victims are pending positive identification and notification of next of kin.
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. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.