(InEDC) BY KCRA Published: 9:06 AM PDT Aug 24, 2023
The family of a Pollock Pines woman is grieving after finding out she was among the 115 people killed in the deadly wildfires on Maui. Terri Cook, 72, had been on vacation in Lahaina.
“She had messaged us and said she was having a wonderful time and the island was so healing,” said Terri’s daughter, Melissa Kornweibel.
Hawaii had always been a special place for the family.
“It was beautiful. She loved it there,” Adam Cook said of his mother.
Terri had been staying at the Best Western Pioneer Inn. She was supposed to fly back to Sacramento on Aug. 9, just one day after the fast-moving fires tore through the island.
“It’s a lot to process,” he said. “It’s still hard to even admit.”
Unfortunately, Adam said, the family is all too familiar with wildfires.
“We lost our home, the family home we grew up in,” Adam explained.
The Angora Fire in 2007 swept through South Lake Tahoe. Adam said he and his father were at the house at the time.
“It was a really windy day. There were spot fires everywhere, and we just had to get out as quickly as possible.”
They did. And they had hoped their mother had been able to do the same two weeks ago on Maui, but they had trouble tracking her down.
“I called all the shelters,” Melissa said. “We posted her missing. We had gotten a Red Cross representative. We had contacted Maui Police.”
Melissa said she eventually reached the hotel’s property manager and another guest at the hotel to ask if people had been evacuated.
“It wasn’t a coordinated effort. Just as much as with anybody, they had no warning. They were just left to their own devices,” Melissa said. “I don’t blame anybody. Things happen. Natural disasters happen. We’re human. We make mistakes. We do the best with the information we’re given.”
Melissa said her mother was last seen leaving the hotel on foot by herself.
“I know everyone says to hold out hope but there’s a part of you that just knows,” she said.
On Sunday, officials confirmed the family’s fears.
Terri died at 72 years old. She was a beloved mother and grandmother.
“My mom was someone who would put others’ needs ahead of her own, even a complete stranger. She had a heart of gold and will be deeply missed by many,” Adam said.
Terri was the first tourist identified as a victim in what has become the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century, with more than 100 people confirmed dead and hundreds more still unaccounted for.
“We know we’re not alone,” Melissa said. “There’s so many people missing and so many people have lost their lives and we’ve never done this before. We would just love any advice and encouraging words and support.”
