Hawaii Island police have confirmed that the body discovered June 30 near a stream in Waimea is 64-year-old Sarah Marie Andes of Honokaa, authorities said Friday. Andes had been reported missing and listed as an endangered person earlier in June.
Discovery and identification
The remains were located near the 65-1200 block of Kawaihae Road. An autopsy performed Monday produced a positive identification, the police statement said. Investigators are awaiting toxicology results to determine the exact cause of death.
Suspicion of foul play
Police said they currently do not suspect foul play. No further details on the circumstances of Andes' disappearance or discovery were released while the investigation continues.
Family and public assistance
Officers have been unable to locate living relatives for Andes. Investigators are asking anyone who might know next of kin or who has information about her disappearance or death to contact the West Hawaii Criminal Investigation Section.
- Detective contact: Cacique Melendez — (808) 326-4646, ext. 3262; cacique.melendez@hawaiipolice.gov
- Anonymous tips: Crime Stoppers — (808) 961-8300
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date discovered | June 30 |
| Victim | Sarah Marie Andes, 64, of Honokaa |
| Location | Stream near 65-1200 block of Kawaihae Road, Waimea |
| Autopsy | Identification confirmed; cause pending toxicology |
The identification brings closure to the missing-person report filed June 3, when Andes was listed as endangered. For residents of Waimea and surrounding West Hawaii communities, the case underscores ongoing concerns about missing vulnerable adults and the challenges faced by investigators attempting to locate family members and piece together timelines.
Police provided the contact information to encourage tips that could clarify Andes' final movements and help complete the investigation. Anyone with relevant information is urged to reach out to Detective Melendez or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers.
This remains an active investigation and authorities have not released additional details about how Andes came to be in the stream or how long she had been deceased prior to discovery.
