A Kailua-Kona woman is dead after she was struck by a vehicle Sunday night while crossing Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway near Mauna Kea Beach Drive.
At 8:25 p.m., Hawaiʻi police responded to the crash that occurred .1 mile north of mile marker 68. According to police, a maroon 2010 Honda Ridgeline pickup truck was heading south on Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway when it struck 40-year-old Melissa Baker Heldele as she was crossing the highway.
Police say this portion of the highway is not illuminated. Heldele was transported to the Kona Community Hospital where she was later pronounced dead at 12:06 a.m.
The driver of the Honda Ridgeline pickup truck, a 54-year-old Pa‘auilo man, was not injured in the collision.
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Police do not believe that speed or impairment are factors in the collision. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
The Area II Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a negligent homicide investigation and is asking for anyone who may have witnessed the collision to contact Officer Adam Roberg at 808-326-4646 ext. 229 or email at [email protected]. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 808-961-8300.
This is the second traffic fatality this year compared to zero at this time last year.
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