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

Yesterday afternoon, personnel from the Area I Criminal Investigation Section and Hawai‘i County Fire Department along with a  body removal service extricated the remains of two adult females from deep within the banyan tree that had fallen on July 12.

Preliminary observations indicate the women, who were pronounced dead, were likely struck by falling tree limbs.

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.