Firework Victims Being Treated In Arizona Could Be Discharged In Weeks

Firework victims being treated in Arizona could be discharged in weeks

HONOLULU (KHON2) — Five of the remaining victims flown to Arizona for treatment following the deadly New Year’s Eve firework blast are expected to be discharged in a few weeks.

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Dr. Kevin Foster from the Diane & Bruce Halle Arizona Burn Center Valleywise Health provided an update on Feb. 7.

He said four of the five remaining patients were awake and speaking.

“Four of them are basically finished in the operating room, their wounds have been excised and grafted and largely healed and they’re participating in acute rehabilitation,” he said.

He said one remains on a ventilator with a lung injury but says the patient is improving.

“We’re really happy with where we’re at right now,” Foster said. “Over the next several weeks, we’ll probably be discharging just about everybody.”

But he said it will still be a long road ahead with extensive reconstructive surgery, rehab, and physical therapy which could all takes years.

He also discussed the potential for psychological problems, and he said some are starting to look in the mirror.

“It can be a bit startling and disturbing at first, but all of them seem to be handling it well,” Dr. Foster added. “They have lots of support, friends and family are here.”

Six patients were originally flown to Arizona following the blast. Last week, one of the patients passed away. The Maricopa Medical Examiner identified him as 29- year-old Kevin Vallesteros.

“His injuries were severe and not compatible with life, and we did our very best for him, but unfortunately he succumbed to his injuries which really weren’t survivable,” Foster said.

Loved ones wrote on a GoFundMe, “After 28 days of relentless fighting against infections and injuries, Kevin is now at peace and resting with Heavenly Father.” They add his girlfriend Melissa is still being treated in Arizona.

On Wednesday, Honolulu police said a 30-year-old woman died at a Honolulu hospital. KHON2 learned she was the mother of the three-year-old who passed away last month. Loved ones are asking for privacy at this time.