Lonely Widow Dies in Accident After Surviving Wildfires

Edralina Diezon, a widow who survived the devastating Lahaina wildfires in 2023, tragically lost her life in a freak accident on April 3, just days before her 70th birthday. Diezon had endured a challenging journey after the wildfires, which destroyed her home and forced her into a shelter at a beachfront resort. Originally from the Philippines, she had moved to Maui to support her family, working tirelessly as a janitor while sending substantial financial aid back home. Diezon's life in Maui was marked by hard work and resilience. She toiled 80 hours a week, often recycling aluminum cans to supplement her income. Despite the hardships, she managed to send between $500 to $1,000 every two weeks to her four children and six grandchildren, contributing to their education and home improvements. However, after the wildfires, she faced significant challenges, including navigating a dangerous highway to reach her job and being unable to access financial support due to a lack of a Venmo account. As the situation for evacuees worsened, Diezon's mental health began to decline. Friends and family noted her growing despondency as they were informed of impending relocations from the shelter. In a tragic turn of events, while attempting to catch a bus back to the hotel, Diezon was struck by a vehicle, leading to her untimely death. Her family in the Philippines is now working to raise funds to transport her remains back home.