A California woman, Theresa Cook, was among the victims of the devastating West Maui Wildfire that began on August 8. The Maui Police Department identified 72-year-old Cook, along with seven others, as deceased in the fire. Cook is the first tourist to be identified among the fatalities.
As of Tuesday, 115 deaths have been confirmed as a result of the fire. Of these, 21 victims have been identified and their family have been notified. An additional 22 victims have been identified, but their family have yet to be located and informed.
The seven victims identified alongside Cook include Clyde Wakida, 74, Todd Yamafuji, 68, Antonia Molina, 64, Freeman Tam Lung, 59, Joseph Schilling, 67, Narciso Baylosis Jr., 67, and Vanessa Baylosis, 67, all of Lahaina.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of wildfires, the need for effective evacuation strategies, and the importance of support for those affected.