Update: Hawai‘i Island police ID remains of second victim found in downed banyan tree

Hawai‘i Island police have identified the second woman, whose remains were recovered from a downed banyan tree in Hilo over the summer.

On July 20, the massive tree was uprooted and fell onto Kīlauea Avenue and a nearby church. At that time, the remains of two women were discovered in the debris of the tree.

DNA comparison positively identified Michelle Katrina Noelani Comer, 48, of Kea‘au, as the second victim, according to Hawai‘i Island police on Friday.

The other victim was previously identified as Trisha Almazan, 35, also 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 department’s non-emergency number at 808-935-3311.