WAILUKU, Hawaii – Authorities in Hawaii have revised the death toll from the devastating Maui wildfire, reducing it to at least 97 people. This adjustment comes after earlier reports suggested at least 115 deaths, but further testing revealed multiple DNA samples from some of the victims, leading to the updated count. The number of missing individuals has also decreased from 41 to 31, according to Maui Police Chief John Pelletier. Authorities stated that the current death toll should be considered a minimum and could potentially rise after further investigation.
During a news conference, John Byrd, laboratory director with the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, explained that determining the death toll has been challenging due to the chaos and damage caused by the fire. Animal remains were inadvertently collected along with human remains, further complicating the identification process. Out of the deceased, 74 have been positively identified so far.
The deadly wildfire, which occurred on August 8 in Lahaina, has been described as the deadliest in the U.S. in over a century. Residents faced a harrowing ordeal as some died in their cars, while others sought refuge in the ocean or attempted to escape. Dr. Jeremy Stuelpnagel, Maui County physician’s coroner, emphasized the emotional aspect of the tragedy, noting that people were huddled together and some were even holding their pets in those final moments.
As the forensic investigation progresses, Byrd mentioned that the initial high death tally was due to various factors, but the lower count now represents the “normal and natural” progression of the long-term investigation. Pelletier confirmed that only individuals with a missing person report filed with the Maui Police Department are on the verified missing list, and those without a report filed after five weeks likely are not missing.
Stuelpnagel, who had expedited his start date to fulfill the role of medical examiner in Maui, emphasized the comprehensive efforts to reunite fire victims with their families, including DNA tests, assistance from anthropologists, and gathering information from dental work and medical devices where possible.
Overall, authorities expressed relief at having a clearer understanding of the number of casualties and those still unaccounted for in the aftermath of the wildfire. They see the opportunity to identify and reunite every single victim with their families as a ray of hope amidst the tragedy.