Hilo Doctor Killed in Christmas Eve Crash on Saddle Road; Driver Arrested
Hilo emergency physician Dr. Judy FitzGerald died in a Christmas Eve head-on crash on Saddle Road. The other driver was arrested on multiple charges.
A longtime emergency physician at Hilo Benioff Medical Center was killed in a head-on crash on Christmas Eve along Saddle Road on Hawaii Island, authorities confirmed.
Dr. Judy FitzGerald, a veteran emergency doctor, died following the collision near the 13-mile marker on the Daniel K. Inouye Highway, also known as Saddle Road. According to the Hawaii Police Department’s Area I Traffic Enforcement Unit, the crash occurred at approximately 7:28 p.m. on Wednesday.
Investigators said a 2020 Toyota Tacoma traveling eastbound toward Hilo crossed the centerline and struck FitzGerald’s 2025 Mazda two-door convertible head-on as she was driving westbound toward Kona. Emergency responders found FitzGerald unresponsive at the scene. She was transported to Hilo Benioff Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead at 7:59 p.m. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the official cause of death.
The driver of the Toyota Tacoma, 34-year-old Caitlin Smith of Hilo, suffered minor injuries and was treated at the same hospital before being arrested. Police said Smith was taken into custody on charges of first-degree negligent homicide, operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant, and reckless driving. She remains in custody as investigators continue to examine speed, alcohol, drugs, and reckless driving as contributing factors in the fatal crash.
Dr. FitzGerald practiced emergency medicine and urgent care at the medical center’s Waianuenue Avenue clinic and was widely respected throughout the region. Colleagues described her as an irreplaceable physician, mentor, and leader whose dedication extended far beyond the emergency room.
“Dr. FitzGerald was a long-time emergency physician and physician leader whose impact on our organization and our region cannot be overstated,” said Dr. Kathleen Katt, Chief Medical Officer and longtime emergency department colleague. “From Keaʻau to Hilo Benioff Medical Center, this loss is deeply felt. She was an integral part of our Emergency Department and Urgent Care teams and played a vital role in ACLS training throughout the region.”
The Hawaii Police Department’s investigation into the crash remains ongoing.
