Hilo, Hawaii — A devastating head-on collision along Saddle Road late Wednesday afternoon has left one woman dead and several others, including a newborn baby, seriously injured. The crash, which occurred at around 4:34 p.m. on October 23, 2025, has shaken the Big Island community and prompted renewed calls for caution and responsibility on Hawaii’s winding mountain highways.
According to police reports, a Toyota pickup driven by 43-year-old Kimo Medeiros was heading toward Hilo when it struck a Subaru traveling in the opposite direction near the 25-mile marker. The impact was severe, crushing the front ends of both vehicles and scattering debris across the highway, forcing authorities to close the area for several hours as emergency crews responded.
Witnesses described the pickup passing “three, five cars at a time” moments before the crash, suggesting excessive speed and risky maneuvers. Investigators later confirmed that six people were inside the Subaru at the time, including 47-year-old Anina Masaichy of Kailua-Kona, who sadly lost her life as a result of the collision.
Masaichy was transported to Hilo Benioff Medical Center, where medical teams fought to save her. Despite their best efforts, she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Her passing has left a deep void in her family and community, where she was remembered as a kind and devoted person whose presence brought light to those around her.
Among the other passengers were a three-week-old infant, a four-year-old boy, a 17-year-old girl, and two adults. All sustained serious injuries and were flown to Oahu hospitals for advanced medical treatment. The youngest victims remain in critical condition, and doctors continue to monitor their recovery closely.
The driver of the pickup, Medeiros, was also hospitalized following the crash and later taken into custody. Police have confirmed that he faces multiple charges, including driving under the influence and negligent homicide. Investigators believe that both speed and possible alcohol or drug involvement contributed to the fatal incident, though official toxicology results are still pending.
Forensic teams and traffic investigators spent hours examining the crash scene, documenting tire marks, vehicle positions, and road conditions. Their goal is to reconstruct the sequence of events leading up to the tragedy and determine whether further charges may be warranted.
Residents in the area say Saddle Road, though scenic, has long been known for dangerous passing attempts and unpredictable driving conditions. Many hope this heartbreaking event will encourage drivers to slow down and think carefully before making risky moves, especially on narrow stretches where visibility can change quickly.
Community leaders and local authorities have extended their condolences to the family of Anina Masaichy, expressing deep sympathy for the unbearable loss they now face. They also praised the efforts of first responders who worked tirelessly at the scene and later assisted with the transport of the injured to medical facilities.
As the investigation continues, the community of Hilo and the entire island of Hawaii are left mourning a life gone too soon. The crash serves as a somber reminder of how a few reckless moments on the road can forever alter countless lives, leaving families and loved ones to cope with unimaginable grief.