A Hilo man’s remains were located in Hawaii’s most dangerous volcano eight hours after his family had reported him missing Monday.
The 75-year-old’s body was found 100 feet below the crater rim of a visitor area at Kilauea volcano, the most active of five volcanos forming Hawaii’s Big Island.
“After searching for the man in the darkness, National Park Service rangers and Hawaii County firefighters located the man’s body about 100 feet below the crater rim, west of the Uekahuna viewing area at the summit of Kilauea volcano,” the National Park Service said.
“Park rangers, assisted by helicopter, recovered the body around 8 a.m.”
It was unclear whether the tragedy was accidental. The victim’s identity was not disclosed.
“Visitors should never cross safety barriers, especially around dangerous and destabilized cliff edges,” Chief Ranger John Broward said back in 2017.
“Crossing safety barriers and entering closed areas can result in serious injuries and death.”
