A tragic incident unfolded in August of last year, as the Maui Police Department discovered the bodies of four individuals in the devastating Lahaina wildfire in Hawaii. Among the deceased was Lydia Coloma, a 70-year-old Filipina, whose identity was confirmed through DNA testing conducted by the Maui Coroners Office. This unfortunate event claimed the lives of Lydia, her husband Salvador Coloma, and seven other relatives, as they became trapped amidst the fierce flames on Maui Island.

Prior to identifying Lydia Coloma, authorities had successfully determined the identities of her seven other relatives through meticulous DNA analysis. The Maui Police Department, in collaboration with the County of Maui, expressed their deep condolences to the affected families, friends, and community, acknowledging the immense impact of this devastating incident.

A Heartbreaking Milestone: Lydia Coloma Becomes the 100th Casualty

Tragically, Lydia Coloma’s passing marked the 100th casualty resulting from the catastrophic wildfire that ravaged Lahaina. The incident occurred amidst dry weather conditions, leading to the eruption of three major wildfires on Maui. The combination of these arid conditions, the accumulation of combustible materials, and gusts of wind reaching speeds of 60 miles-per-hour (100 km per hour) served as the perfect storm, fueling the flames and intensifying the devastation.