A tragic incident that occurred during a New Year’s fireworks explosion in Hawaii has resulted in the death of a 29-year-old man, Kevin Vallesteros, nearly one month after the initial event. The Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the sad news on Tuesday, Jan. 28, revealing that Vallesteros passed away in Arizona, where he had been transported for medical treatment following the incident. The explosion, which took place on Keaka Drive in Aliamanu on Jan. 1, caused injuries to Vallesteros and five others, all of whom were subsequently taken to Arizona for medical care.
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According to Vallesteros’ sister, he bravely fought against his injuries and infections for as long as he could before tragically succumbing to them. She expressed gratitude for the support received from communities in Arizona and Hawaii, highlighting the care and love shown by medical workers at the Arizona Burn Foundation and Valley Wise Health. The exact circumstances of the explosion and the extent of injuries sustained by Vallesteros and the other victims have not been disclosed by the authorities.
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to raise funds for Vallesteros, with over $8,500 collected so far. The initial goal was to gather donations for his medical expenses, and now, to facilitate bringing him back to his home in Hawaii. The online fundraiser organizer, Bobbi-Amber Yamada, shared that after a strenuous 28-day battle against infections and injuries, Kevin has passed away and is now at peace. The Arizona Burn Foundation has pledged to assist Vallesteros’ family with funeral arrangements and the repatriation of his body to Hawaii.
Following the explosion, Vallesteros was transferred to Arizona for specialised care at a burn centre, given that he had suffered burns on over 80% of his body along with a compound fracture in his left leg. Yamada expressed gratitude for the generosity and prayers extended by well-wishers towards Vallesteros and his family during this difficult time. The community continues to come together to support the grieving family, showcasing the resilience and solidarity in times of tragedy.
The devastating incident on New Year’s Eve in Hawaii also claimed the lives of other individuals, including a 3-year-old boy. The toll taken by the fireworks explosion serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with such celebrations and underscores the need for stringent safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future. As the community mourns the loss of Kevin Vallesteros and the other victims, efforts are underway to provide support to their families and honour their memories.
The circumstances surrounding the New Year’s fireworks explosion are under investigation, with authorities working to determine the cause of the incident and prevent similar accidents from occurring in the future. The outpouring of support and donations from the community reflects the solidarity and empathy that emerges in the face of tragedy, underscoring the importance of coming together to support those affected by unforeseen calamities. Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of Kevin Vallesteros and the other victims of this heartbreaking incident, as they navigate this difficult time with resilience and unity.