(Update) Police Identify Second Women Whose Remains Were Recovered from Downed Banyan Tree in Hilo
Hawai’i Island police detectives have identified the second female whose remains were recovered from within the debris of a downed banyan tree on Kilauea Avenue in Hilo, on July 20, 2025. She has been positively identified by DNA comparison, as 48-year-old Michelle Katrina Noelani Comer, of Kea’au.
The other victim was previously identified as 35-year-old Trisha Almazan, of Kea’au.
On July 22, 2025, autopsies were performed on the two women, and the forensic pathologist ruled the cause of death for both victims as mechanical asphyxiation and the manner of death accidental.
Police ask anyone with information relative to this investigation to call Detective Sy Keltner with the Area I Criminal Investigation Section at (808) 961-2378 or email Sybastian.Keltner@hawaiipolice.gov or the police department’s non-emergency number at (808) 935-3311.
- Department:
- Hawaiʻi Police Department
- Division:
- Criminal Investigation Division – Area I
- Officer:
- Captain Rio Amon-Wilkins
- Phone:
- (808) 961-2251
- Report Number:
- 25-064584
