Hilo, Hawaii — A tragic frontal crash on Saddle Road late Wednesday afternoon resulted in the death of a woman and

 Hilo, Hawaii — A tragic head-on accident on Saddle Road late Wednesday afternoon has resulted in the death of one woman and left several others, including a newborn baby, with serious injuries. The incident, which took place around 4:34 p.m. on October 23, 2025, has deeply impacted the Big Island community and has reignited discussions about safety and responsibility on Hawaii’s twisting mountain roads.

Based on police accounts, a Toyota truck operated by 43-year-old Kimo Medeiros was moving towards Hilo when it collided with a Subaru coming from the opposite direction near the 25-mile marker. The crash was severe, mangling the front sections of both vehicles and scattering debris across the roadway, leading to a closure of the area for several hours as emergency services responded.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing the pickup overtaking “three to five cars at a time” just prior to the accident, indicating possible excessive speed and hazardous driving behavior. Investigators later established that six individuals were present in the Subaru during the incident, including 47-year-old Anina Masaichy from Kailua-Kona, who tragically passed away due to the crash.

Masaichy was taken to Hilo Benioff Medical Center, where medical personnel attempted to save her life. Unfortunately, despite their efforts, she was declared dead shortly after her arrival. Her death has created a significant loss for her family and community, where she was fondly remembered as a generous and devoted individual who illuminated the lives of those around her.

Other passengers included a three-week-old baby, a four-year-old boy, a 17-year-old girl, and two adults. All of them suffered serious injuries and were airlifted to hospitals in Oahu for more specialized medical care. The youngest victims are in critical condition, and healthcare providers are closely observing their recovery progress.

The pickup driver, Medeiros, also required hospitalization after the crash and was subsequently arrested. Police reports indicate that he is facing multiple charges including driving under the influence and negligent homicide. Investigators suspect that both speeding and potential alcohol or drug impairment played a role in the deadly accident, though official toxicology results are still awaited.

Forensic teams along with traffic investigators dedicated several hours to scrutinizing the crash site, recording tire markings, positioning of the vehicles, and analyzing roadway conditions. Their objective is to reconstruct the events leading up to the incident and ascertain if additional charges may be needed.

Local residents indicate that while Saddle Road is picturesque, it has a history of dangerous overtaking attempts and unpredictable driving conditions. Many are hopeful that this tragic occurrence will prompt drivers to reduce their speed and think critically before engaging in risky behavior, particularly on narrow portions where visibility can swiftly change.

Community leaders and local officials have offered their condolences to the family of Anina Masaichy, expressing heartfelt sympathy for the overwhelming grief they are experiencing. They also commended the dedication of first responders who worked diligently at the site and later aided in transporting the injured to medical facilities.

As the investigation proceeds, the Hilo community and the broader island of Hawaii are left in grief over a life lost far too early.