US Edition
Sources: Remains found under fallen Hilo banyan tree
HILO, HAWAII, JUL 20 – Authorities recovered two women from a fallen banyan tree in downtown Hilo; preliminary findings suggest they were struck by limbs and foul play is not suspected.
- On Sunday afternoon, July 20, 2025, Hawaiʻi Island police recovered the remains of two adult females from debris of a banyan tree that fell two weeks earlier.
- On Saturday, July 12, the banyan tree fell across Kilauea Avenue, blocking the road and knocking down power lines with no injuries reported.
- Crews from the Hawaiʻi Fire Department, Department of Public Works, and a private tree-trimming company spent hours cutting away large branches, police reported that preliminary observations indicated the women were likely struck by falling limbs, and the women were pronounced dead shortly before 4:30 p.m.
- Authorities say foul play is not suspected at this time, police said, as autopsies are scheduled later this week and victims remain unidentified.
- Long ago, the banyan was granted ‘exceptional tree’ status in a March 19, 1998, letter from Michael Wilson; portions of the tree crushed Calvary Chapel Hilo and trapped a vehicle, and the road reopened by early Sunday evening.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Chief: HFD checked for victims; 2 dead women found under banyan tree might have been homeless - West Hawaii Today
Hawaii County’s fire chief said Monday his department did what it could to discover if there were any victims — alive or dead — in the rubble of a banyan tree that collapsed July 13 in Hilo.
Hawaii island police recovers remains of two women from fallen banyan tree | Honolulu Star-Advertiser
Hawai‘i Island police today recovered the remains of two women from within the debris of a downed banyan tree,which had fallen on Kilauea Avenue in Hilo on July 12.
Sources: Remains found under fallen Hilo banyan tree
This is a developing story. KHON2 will update as details become available. HILO, Hawaii (KHON2) -- Hawaii Island Police are investigating after human remains were found within the debris of a downed banyan tree in Hilo. WATCH: Large banyan tree falls in Hilo, brings down power lines with it This is the same area where the tree suddenly fell and downed power lines on July 12. Get Hawaii's latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign u…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 89% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
