Friends, family raise funds to bring remains of Virginia man home after fatal Big Island crash

Zach Winston moved to the Big Island from Newport News, Virginia, to start a new chapter in his life. But on May 5, the 34-year-old tragically died when the truck he was driving was struck head-on by another vehicle trying to pass on Daniel K. Inouye Highway in South Hilo.

The driver of the second vehicle, Todd Matsushita, 70, of Hilo, was also killed.

Friends of Winston have pulled together to help his family return to his home in Virginia.

“In the last year, Zach found meaningful work, close friendships, and a renewed sense of purpose in Hawai‘i,” according to the GoFundMe site started by family friend Anthony Cerri. “Friends and employers on the Big Island welcomed him, supported him and helped him build a life that he was proud of.”

Cerri goes on to write that Hawai‘i brought out the best in Winston.

“He found purpose, peace and community,” he states. “He earned the respect and friendship of those around him. He was excited about the future he was creating.”

Winston’s parents, Lisa and James Paddleford, will be traveling to Hawai‘i Island to meet Winston’s friends and bring his remains back home to Virginia. Money raised will go toward travel costs, memorial and cremation expenses as well as transporting their son’s personal belongings back to the mainland.

As of Monday, May 11, the fundraiser collected about half of the $14,000 goal.

“This has been sudden and heartbreaking,” Cerri wrote. “But amid the grief, they found comfort in learning how much Zach had come to mean to the people around him in Hawai‘i.”

The Paddlefords plan to have a memorial gathering with Winston’s Big Island family. Part of Winston’s ashes will remain in Hawaiʻi, while the rest will return home to Virginia, where family and friends will gather again on June 13 for a memorial in his honor.

Click here for more details about the fundraiser.