Family continues to seek answers in the death of 2-year-old son
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Nearly a year after their 2-year-old son died during a family camping trip on Maui, Kyle and Haley Barnes say they are still searching for answers.
On Sunday, the couple will hold a memorial ride -- Wyatt's Braaap Braaap Ride -- to honor and remember their son. They said anyone is welcome to join them, whether on two wheels or four.
"It's been more than 11 months of pure hell and nightmares -- absolutely horrible," Kyle said of what the family's been going through.
Wyatt Van Ness Barnes died Aug. 2, 2025, during a camping trip to a cabin at Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area. According to his parents, the trip included the couple, Wyatt and two of Wyatt’s uncles as well as another man, the man's child and girlfriend.
The Barnes said they were playing cornhole outside with Wyatt’s uncles while Wyatt played inside the cabin with the other child under the supervision of the other man. Haley said the other child eventually came outside alone, prompting her to ask where Wyatt was before she went looking for him.
Haley recalled finding Wyatt's lifeless body outside, laying on his stomach on top of one cooler with his head hanging inside a second smaller cooler. She screamed for her husband. They called 911 and started giving Wyatt CPR.
The couple said that as this was happening, the other man abruptly left the cabin with his son and girlfriend, and left behind several of their belongings.
Wyatt’s parents said they have struggled with many other unanswered questions ever since, as they believe the circumstances surrounding Wyatt's death do not align with what they observed that day. For the Barneses, one of the most painful parts of the past year has been what they describe as limited communication from investigators.
“We have not had any answers,” Haley said. “We’re just begging and pleading for some kind of answers or some kind of help to even understand what happened.”
The couple said they want accountability if mistakes were made, whether by anyone present that day or during the investigation. More than anything, they said they want enough information to understand what happened to their son and find some measure of closure.
They created the Justice4Wyatt.com website, which includes information about Wyatt’s life, the family’s account of the day he died, updates on the investigation and details about Sunday’s memorial ride.
The family believes the other adult who was with Wyatt shortly before he was found unresponsive has information that could help explain what happened. The individual has not been charged with any crime related to Wyatt’s death.
The Maui Police Department said the investigation remains active.
“As Wyatt’s family approaches the anniversary of his passing, our hearts remain with them, and we offer our deepest condolences to everyone who loved him,” the department said in a statement.
“We understand the family’s desire for answers and closure. To protect the integrity of the active investigation, we are unable to provide additional details at this time. Our investigators remain committed to conducting a thorough investigation and will keep the family informed as appropriate.”
The memorial ride begins Sunday at the Lowe’s parking lot in Kahului. Participants will begin gathering at 10:30 a.m., line up at 11 a.m. and depart at 11:30 a.m. The route will travel from Kahului to Napili via Ho’okele Street, Pulehu Road, Hansen Road, Maui Veterans Highway, North Kihei Road, Honoapiilani Highway, Lahaina Bypass and Napilihau Street. A brief stop is planned in Olowalu for dirt bikes to refuel before riders continue to the Penne Pasta food truck at the Napili Farmers Market for lunch.
Haley will be selling Justice 4 Wyatt T-shirts at the check-in and stickers are available for purchase at justice4wyatt.com. The family said any money raised will go to help pay for a lawyer as well as a memorial for Wyatt.
The Barneses said they hope the ride celebrates Wyatt’s life while reminding the community that, one year later, they are still waiting for answers.