Fireworks patient in Arizona dies, raising Aliamanu death toll to 5

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – One of the six patients hospitalized at a burn center in Arizona has died, officials confirmed Tuesday.

Arizona’s Maricopa County identified the latest fatality as Kevin Vallesteros, 29. Honolulu police said he died at approximately 6:40 a.m. HST.

This raises the death toll in the Aliamanu fireworks explosion to five.

A massive explosion during a New Year’s celebration, caused by what officials confirmed were illegal fireworks, initially killed three people and sent more than 20 to the hospital in critical and serious condition.

Two women, Carmelita Benigno, 61, and Nelie Ibarra, 58, were pronounced dead at the scene. Jennifer Van, 23, died hours later from her injuries.

The fourth victim, 3-year-old Cassius Ramos-Benigno, died on Jan. 6.

Six survivors were flown to Arizona for extensive burn treatment. Doctors said their recovery will take months.

A GoFundMe set up for Vallesteros says he was in a medically induced coma with burns over 82% of his body. He also had a compound fracture on his left leg.

His girlfriend, Melissa Cabrera, was also injured in the blast and is being treated in Arizona.

The couple has an infant son who was not hurt.

Other survivors remain at Straub Benioff Medical Center’s specialized burn unit in Honolulu.

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Recently, a patient at the Aliamanu Medical Center in Arizona tragically lost their life due to injuries sustained in a fireworks accident. This latest fatality brings the total death toll from the Aliamanu incident to 5.

The patient, whose identity has not been released, was one of several individuals who were injured in the fireworks mishap. Despite the best efforts of medical staff at the center, the patient succumbed to their injuries.

The Aliamanu Medical Center has been working tirelessly to treat the victims of the fireworks accident, and our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those who have been affected by this tragedy.

The authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident to determine the cause of the accident and to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.

Our hearts go out to all those who have been impacted by this devastating event. May the victims rest in peace.

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