Pedestrian Struck, Killed by Vehicle in North Kona

A Kailua-Kona woman is dead after she was struck by a vehicle while crossing Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway near the Palani Road intersection Tuesday evening.

Hawaiʻi police responded to the crash at approximately 5:06 p.m. Through the course of their investigation, authorities determined a silver 2011 Mercury Milan four-door sedan was heading south on Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway when it struck the 62-year-old woman, later identified as Gloria Jean Sanchez, 150 yards north of the Palani Road intersection.

According to police, Sanchez was not in a crosswalk when she attempted to cross the multi-lane highway. The victim was transported to the Kona Community Hospital where she was later pronounced dead at 6 p.m.

The driver of the Mercury Milan, a 29-year-old Kailua-Kona man, was not injured in the collision.

Police do not believe that speed or impairment are factors in the collision and the Area II Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a negligent homicide investigation. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

Police are asking for anyone who may have witnessed the collision to contact Officer Len Hamakado at 808-326-4646 ext. 229, or email at len.hamakado@hawaiicounty.gov. Citizens who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 808-961-8300.

This is the 19th traffic fatality this year compared to 11 at this time last year.