Heartbreaking update to head-on crash on Saddle Road: ‘Our Baby Aniana Has Gained Her Wings’

A three-week-old infant who was injured in a two-vehicle collision on the Daniel K. Inouye Highway last Thursday has died, marking the second fatality in the crash, Hawaiʻi Island police said.

In a GoFundMe started by Joeanny Masaichy, it says: “Heartbreaking update — Our baby Aniana has gained her wings.”

“It is with the heaviest of hearts that I share this update. Our sweet 3-week-old baby girl, Aniana, has tragically passed away today, Oct. 27, 2025, after fighting so bravely following the crash on Oct. 23, 2025, along Saddle Road on the Big Island — the same accident that took my beloved mom, Anina Masaichy, at the scene.”

The baby girl was pronounced dead at 5:29 p.m. on Oct. 27 at Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women and Children on O‘ahu, where she had been airlifted for treatment.

The crash, which occured near the 25-mile marker at approximately 4:34 p.m. on Oct. 23, also claimed the life of 47-year-old Anina Masaichy of Kailua-Kona. She was found unresponsive in the backseat and pronounced dead at 7:53 p.m.

Police investigators determined a 2022 Toyota pickup truck was traveling eastbound toward Hilo on the highway when it crossed the centerline while overtaking several vehicles and collided head-on with a 2014 Subaru multipurpose vehicle traveling westbound with six members of the Masaichy family.

Other family members in the Subaru were Joeanny’s 4-year-old son, her 51-year-old father and a 17-year-old female cousin, who all sustained serious injuries and were taken to Hilo Benioff Medical Center with injuries. Her 18-year-old sister has reportedly been discharged from Hilo Medical Center.

The infant and 4-year-old were medevaced to Kapi‘olani Medical Center on O‘ahu, while the 17-year-old was flown to Queen’s Medical Center for further treatment.

The driver of the pickup, identified as 43-year-old Kimo Medeiros of Kurtistown, was also taken to the hospital in Hilo before being flown to Queenʻs Medical Center, where he remains in serious condition.

Police initially apprehended Medeiros for suspicion of driving under the influence, first-degree negligent homicide, multiple counts of negligent injury, reckless driving, and driving without a license.

Following the infant’s death, police said one of the negligent injury charges has been upgraded to first-degree negligent homicide.

Investigators believe speed, alcohol, and/or drugs may have been contributing factors in the collision.

Autopsies have been scheduled to determine the exact causes of both deaths.

The GoFundMe was started to assist with funeral expenses, medical bills and other recovery costs. As of early Tuesday, more than $20,000 had been raised from community donations toward a goal of $60,000.

“This unimaginable tragedy has left our family shattered,” Joeanny Masaichy wrote.

“Any support — whether through donations, prayers or by sharing our story — would mean more than words can express. Your kindness and generosity will help us find strength and hope as we begin to rebuild our lives without our mom, Anina.”

In a report by KHON2, Joeanny Masaichy said her son is moving and sitting up, her dad is out of surgery and her cousin remains in the ICU.

The accident occurred after a day of shopping in Hilo for the Masaichy family. Joeanny and her spouse were in a car ahead of the Subaru carrying the rest of her family.

While Joeanny Masaichy wished no harm on Medeiros, she expressed frustration with his potential use of alcohol or drugs before driving.

Court documents show Medeiros was cited for driving without a license three days before the fatal crash. Since 2017, he has faced fines or arrest for various traffic offenses, including driving under the influence, reckless driving and not wearing seat belt

The baby girl’s death marks Big Island’s 20th traffic fatality of 2025, compared to 25 fatalities recorded at the same time last year.

The Area I Traffic Enforcement Unit continues to investigate. Anyone with information is asked to contact Officer Laurence Davis at 808-961-2391 or Laurence.Davis@hawaiipolice.gov, or call the department’s non-emergency line at 808-935-3311.