Passenger who died in Molokai copter crash identified
COURTESY GALIHER FAMILY AND LOCATIONS
Oahu Realtor Keiko Kuroki has been identified by her employer at Locations LLC Diamondhead off on Kapahulu Avenue as the passenger who perished along with pilot Gary Galiher in a crash on Molokai.
Oahu Realtor Keiko Kuroki has been identified by her employer, Locations LLC Diamondhead, as the passenger who died along with pilot Gary Galiher in a crash on Molokai.
Scott Higashi, president and CEO of Locations, issued the following statement:
“We are all saddened by the tragic loss of our friend and colleague, Keiko Kuroki. She was an important member of our team and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends during this most difficult time.”
Dan Richards, Locations director of marketing, said Kuroki, the mother of at least one adult son, is originally from Japan and was employed by Locations since 2005.
Richards described her as an exceptional mother and a person that many aspired to be like.
“She was passionate and gave her clients the best,” he said. ”Right now we’re reeling from the loss. We’re trying to be as supportive as possible with her family and friends.”
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National Transportation Safety Board officials are expected to arrive in Honolulu today to investigate the wreckage from the helicopter crash that killed prominent attorney Galiher and Kuroki.
Investigators from Anchorage, Alaska, are likely to start their work Friday, said Allen Kenitzer, spokesman of the Federal Aviation Administration.
Meanwhile, the Maui Fire Department’s Air 1 helicopter is assisting police with efforts to recover the bodies on eastern Molokai.
On Tuesday evening, Galiher, an experienced pilot, was flying his helicopter with one passenger to his second home on eastern Molokai. Colleagues reported the helicopter missing when they could not reach him Wednesday morning, and a search ensued.
At about 1:31 p.m. Wednesday, Maui Fire Services Chief Edward Taomoto said the wreckage was observed on a ridge at the 1,400-foot elevation in mountainous, tree-covered terrain. Rescue crews later confirmed there were no survivors.
The wreckage is less than a mile north-northwest from Galiher’s private helipad located on a ridge mauka of his home.
Galiher, 70, founded the law firm of Galiher, DeRobertis Waxman, and was nationally known for his work on cases involving mesothelioma, an asbestos-related cancer. His passenger has yet to be identified.
The National Weather Service had issued an advisory for turbulence near or surrounding mountainous areas across the islands for Tuesday evening. Northeasterly winds of up to 10 to 15 mph with gusts of 20 to 25 mph at the ground level were reported by the agency.
23 responses to “Passenger who died in Molokai copter crash identified”
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sounds like a life well lived…
There have been several stories about Mr. Galiher’s death in the paper. I knew Gary fairly well and have always admired him. Still, why has the other person who died been identified so far only as a “female passenger”? Is she so insignificant that we should only talk about Gary Galiher?
I was wondering the same thing.
Passenger hasn’t been positively identified.
Notification of next of kin must be made and confirmed first.
no name of passenger yet?
Don’t be so naive, 35 yrs old female going to a isolated destination.
Makes you wonder if there is a potential for “image” tarnish here. His or hers.
It appears they were both single and old enough to make their own decisions.
Why must we always think the worst?
Bombay2101, This is not the time to engage in rumors. It is a time to show sympathy and care for the ohana of the deceased.
Condolences to the loved ones of both.
builderguy, where’d you get the idea his passenger was a “35 yrs old” female? The article clearly states she has at least one adult son. Do the math. Did she have the kid when she was 14? Maybe you’re just trying to fan the flames of the “rumor fire”, trying to warm up speculation about some seedy, secret affair involving Mr. Galiher.
Builderguy, does your comment really represent your Aloha for a deceased accident victim?
Condolences to Keiko Kuroki’s family and friends.
Speculation, speculation! Quit it kids, let the dead rest in peace! May their work and lives be laud for the goodness and their helpful deeds! Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with us!
I suppose you may be too young to remember Ted Kennedy and Mary Jo Kopechne ???
Yeah, Ted’s car killed more people then most people’s personally owned firearms. 🙁
You people are sicko’s. I guess the political temperament hasn’t worn off yet. No decency at all.
Marauders, Ted was married; Mary Jo was young and single. In this case, both people are past 40 years old and single. Get over it. Stop looking for a scandal.
Marauders, two people have died, both with surviving loved ones. Is your comment the best one you can make to show Aloha and sympathy for their losses?
Sympathy to both families during this difficult time.
Amen.
So why is the photo not of her?
https://www.locationshawaii.com/%20Keiko%20Kuroki.aspx?AgentId=697
The only thing that people should be concerned was it pilot error or mechanical problem? Also was age a factor? No one can cheat father time and at 70 years old, there are diminished senses and reaction times Gravity is 9.8 meters per second squared so if a helicopter has mechanical problems, experiences turbulence, low visibility, problems due pilot spatial disorientation,.. the pilot will literally only have a second or two to make the the right corrections or else end in a tragedy.