Death Toll from Maui Wildfire Rises to 101 as Another Victim is Identified

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The death toll from the devastating wildfire that swept through the historic town of Lahaina in August has tragically risen to 101. Maui police have recently confirmed the identity of a 76-year-old man, Paul Kasprzycki, as one of the fire’s victims.

Maui police spokesperson, Alana Pico, revealed that Kasprzycki’s remains were discovered off a side street in an industrial area. His identity was confirmed by comparing X-rays taken before and after his death.

The identification of Paul Kasprzycki was made possible by a new cold case unit that Maui police formed after the wildfire. Currently, there are still two individuals missing from the blaze: Robert H. Owens and Elmer Lee Stevens.

According to a childhood friend, Steve Brodersen, Kasprzycki was a talented carpenter and woodworker. He described Kasprzycki as someone who did “fantastic” work, mostly driven by his own interest rather than marketing himself.

Kasprzycki arrived in Hawaiʻi during a boat race from Santa Monica, California, to Honolulu in the 1970s and decided to stay. He attended the University of Southern California, where he studied ancient history, Latin, and philosophy, graduating magna cum laude in 1969.

Despite suggestions from his friend, Brodersen, to return to California, Kasprzycki found a sense of belonging in Lahaina. He formed strong connections with people who cared for him and took care of him.

In addition to his woodworking skills, Kasprzycki was known for riding his bicycle everywhere, despite having a bad hip. Brodersen believed that Lahaina was the perfect setting for his friend.

Sharlene Rabang, aged 78, was recently identified as the 100th victim of the wildfire. Rabang, who had fled to Oʻahu after the fire, passed away on September 4.

The victims of the wildfire ranged in age from 7 to 97, with the majority being in their 60s or older. Many of them were residents of a low-income senior apartment complex, as reported by Maui police.

An after-action report released by Maui police revealed that 42 victims were found inside buildings, 39 outdoors, and 15 inside vehicles. One person was found in the ocean, and three others died from fire-related injuries while in a hospital.

The recovery efforts took place primarily in the first three days after the flames, with forensic experts and cadaver dogs meticulously searching through ash for remains. Some of the collected remains were as small as a quarter.

Following DNA testing, the death toll was revised downward from 115 to at least 97 in September. However, the toll increased slightly over the next month as additional remains were discovered or victims succumbed to their injuries.

If you believe that an individual is still unaccounted for, please contact the Maui Police Department.