The death toll from the wildfire that devastated the historic Maui town of Lahaina has risen to 100 after a 78-year-old woman injured in the disaster died in September, officials said Tuesday.
Sharlene Rabang was among those who had been flown to Oʻahu after the Aug. 8 wildfire, the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century, Maui police spokesperson Alana Pico said in an email.
Rabang died Sept. 4, said Honolulu Medical Examiner Dr. Masahiko Kobayashi. His office previously provided an incorrect date.
Authorities have identified most victims in a process that has proved long and complicated.
Forensic experts and cadaver dogs sifted through ash searching for bodies that were possibly cremated, and authorities collected DNA samples from victims’ family members.
The remains of the 99th person were recovered on Oct. 12 in Lahaina. An autopsy and forensic examination verified that they were not from a previously recovered individual.
The youngest victim was 7 years old and the oldest was 97. Several were residents of a low-income senior apartment complex. Of the victims, 44 were age 70 or older.
The wildfire started in a grassy area in Lahaina's hills. Powerful winds related to a hurricane passing to Hawaiʻi's south carried embers from house to house and hampered firefighting efforts.
More than 2,000 buildings were destroyed, and some 8,000 people were forced to move to hotels and other temporary shelter.
