Police confirm identity of 101st victim of huge Maui wildfire
The death toll from the wildfire that destroyed the historic town of Lahaina has climbed to 101 after Maui police confirmed the identity of one new victim, a 76-year-old man
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The death toll from the wildfire that destroyed the historic town of Lahaina, Hawaii, in August rose to 101 on Tuesday after Maui police confirmed the identity of one new victim, a 76-year-old man.
As of last month, Paul Kasprzycki of Lahaina was one of three people still missing from the Aug. 8 blaze.
Maui police didn’t explain in a news release where his remains were found or how he was identified.
The victims of the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century ranged in age from 7 to 97, but more than two-thirds were in their 60s or older, according to Maui police’s list of known victims.
It has taken investigators months to identify some of the remains. Forensic experts and cadaver dogs sifted through ash searching for bodies that may have been cremated. Authorities collected DNA samples from family members to identify remains.
The DNA testing allowed officials in September to revise the death toll downward, from 115 to at least 97. The toll rose slightly over the next month as some victims succumbed to their injuries or as police found additional remains.