Tiare Couto Oahu Hawaii Obituary: Two victims who passed away in the deadly Oahu Hawaii fireworks accident have been identified by the family. Danilo Couto and his sister Tiare Couto, a student at the University of Utah have been identified as two victims who died at the scene of the incident.
The tragedy unfolded shortly after midnight on New Year’s Day at a residence in the Salt Lake neighborhood of Honolulu, located on the island of Oahu. As of early Wednesday afternoon, specific details about the fireworks mishap remain unclear. First responders at the scene described being deeply shaken by the incident. Several individuals were transported to local hospitals with various injuries, including burns and blast-related trauma.
Who Was Tiare Couto?
Tiare Couto was born and raised on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, where she developed a deep love for the ocean and a passion for surfing. Growing up in a family that embraced outdoor adventure, her experiences extended beyond the waves, as her family’s enthusiasm for skiing inspired her to explore life beyond Hawaii. This influence led her to attend the University of Utah, where she embraced new challenges and opportunities in a mountainous environment vastly different from her tropical home.
At the University of Utah, Tiare pursued a double major in Environmental & Sustainability Studies and Political Science, blending her academic interests with her unwavering dedication to protecting the environment. She was deeply committed to driving sustainable change through thoughtful policy and grassroots advocacy. Her academic journey reflected her belief in the power of informed action to create a better future for both people and the planet.
Whether she was surfing, skiing, or diving into her studies, Tiare was known for her infectious enthusiasm and determination to make a meaningful impact in everything she did.
Other Victims
The Salt Lake neighborhood, where the tragedy occurred, is situated near some of Honolulu’s most notable landmarks. It is located close to Honolulu’s international airport and a joint U.S. Air Force and Navy base. Just over 2 miles (3.22 kilometers) to the west lies the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial, a solemn tribute to the sailors who lost their lives in the attack on Pearl Harbor, the event that propelled the United States into World War II.
Family members have identified two of the victims injured in the explosion as Melissa and Kevin. Kevin reportedly sustained “grave” injuries and is currently hospitalized, fighting for his life. Melissa, however, requires specialized treatment that cannot be provided locally. Due to a lack of available beds in the burn unit, she will need to be transported to the mainland for medical care. The couple has a 3-month-old son, who is now in the care of extended family members as they grapple with this devastating situation.
Another victim, Charmaine Benigno, a mother of two young boys, also suffered severe injuries in the explosion. Her family shared that she will need extensive medical care and a long recovery process. The community has begun rallying around the families of the victims, offering support during this difficult time.
Mass Injuries
Emergency crews rushed to a devastating and chaotic scene in a Honolulu neighborhood after a catastrophic New Year’s fireworks accident killed three people and injured more than 20 others, many critically. The incident occurred when a large, aerial firework known as a “cake” tipped over after being lit, igniting a fiery, shrapnel-filled explosion that left destruction in its wake.
Authorities revealed Wednesday that two women died at the scene, while a third succumbed to her injuries at a hospital. Officials used the tragedy to underscore the dangers of illegal fireworks, urging residents to abandon the longstanding New Year’s tradition of setting them off. “We’re talking about the worst possible, war-zone injuries that took their lives,” said Hawaii Gov. Josh Green during a somber press conference. His vivid description aimed to emphasize the severity of the incident and the need for tougher penalties against the use of illegal fireworks.
The blast sent more than 20 people, including children, to hospitals with severe burns and shrapnel wounds. As of Wednesday, none of the victims, including the deceased, had been publicly identified. Honolulu Police Chief Arthur Logan stated that an investigation was underway to determine if criminal charges were warranted against the individual who lit the fireworks shortly before midnight.
The explosion took place at a three-story home with a carport on the ground level. In the daylight following the blast, the front of the property was littered with debris, including charred firework mortars and other remnants of the catastrophe. Across the street, shattered windows bore testimony to the force of the explosion.
Officials said the firework “cake,” a bundle of 50 mortar-style rounds, tipped over or fell from a table after being lit. It fired sideways into nearby crates of fireworks, triggering a chain reaction of explosions. The cache of fireworks, estimated to be worth tens of thousands of dollars, was part of an illegal stockpile at the residence, officials said.
Emergency responders faced significant challenges at the scene. Ambulance crews had to triage victims—prioritizing those with the most critical injuries—several houses away due to crowds and parked cars obstructing access. Honolulu Emergency Services Department Director Dr. Jim Ireland described the scene as chaotic, with some people in the area continuing to set off fireworks even as victims were being rushed to hospitals.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to cracking down on illegal fireworks, vowing stricter enforcement and harsher penalties. They hope the tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the potential consequences of these dangerous celebrations.
Danilo Couto Funeral Arrangements will be Released by the Family
Im sorry but this information is totally wrong.
She suffered an accident on a hiking trail.