(Update) Remains of Two Women Recovered from Downed Banyan Tree in Hilo

Media Release (Update #1)

Hawai‘i Island police have recovered the remains of two women from within the debris of a downed banyan tree on Kīlauea Avenue in Hilo.

On Sunday afternoon, July 20, 2025, personnel from the Area I Criminal Investigation Section, Hawai‘i Fire Department (HFD), and a body removal service extricated the remains of two adult females from deep within the banyan tree, which had fallen on Saturday, July 12.

Earlier in the day, the department announced it had launched an investigation after human remains were discovered in the tree debris.

Crews from the Hawai‘i County Department of Public Works, a county-contracted tree trimming company, and HFD spent several hours cutting away large branches to allow access to the victims. Preliminary observations indicate the women were likely struck by falling tree limbs.

Both women were pronounced dead at 4:28 p.m.

Autopsies will be conducted later this week to determine the exact cause of death. However, police do not suspect foul play at this time. The identities of the victims are pending positive identification and notification of next of kin.

Police ask 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.