UPDATE Aug. 26 8:53 a.m.: A police log indicates Gaelynn Kahee has been charged with third-degree negligent homicide, leaving the scene of a fatal accident and driving without a license. Police said she was still in custody in lieu of $6,000 bail pending an initial court appearance on Monday.
UPDATE Aug. 26 8:53 a.m.: A police log indicates Gaelynn Kahee has been charged with third-degree negligent homicide, leaving the scene of a fatal accident and driving without a license. Police said she was still in custody in lieu of $6,000 bail pending an initial court appearance on Monday.
A 39-year-old father of three who died Thursday as the result of an afternoon collision between a pickup and his motorcycle is being remembered on social media as a devoted family man and faithful friend who was constantly smiling and laughing.
Police said Ernest Jackson of Pahoa was riding his 1996 Yamaha motorcycle north on Highway 130 when the driver of a southbound 1991 Nissan pickup turned left onto Highway 132, failing to yield the right of way.
Jackson’s motorcycle broadsided the truck in the intersection, police said.
According to police, the pickup’s driver, 28-year-old Gaelynn Kahee of Pahoa, fled the scene but later turned herself in at the Pahoa police station and was arrested on suspicion of second-degree negligent homicide, leaving the scene of a fatal accident and driving without a license.
She was being detained at the Hilo police cellblock while officers continue investigating and hadn’t been charged by press time Friday.
Jackson was a home builder and owner-operator of Full Spectrum Home Improvements who lived with his family in Kalapana Seaview Estates.
Jackson’s wife, Jenn Campbell Jackson, posted on Facebook that her husband was and is “the brightest light in my life.”
“I feel like I may crumble. To all who have reached out, thank you,” she said. “I’m not quite sure what to do now … riding waves of grief and yet having moments of peace knowing he is able to do the one thing he said was his greatest wish … fly. Please hold his amazing children in your heart. Envision them surrounded by ever-present love as we all take this journey of grief. Think of Ernest’s smile and infectious laugh.”
Jackson’s former wife, Jennifer Rose Mydock, had remained friends with Jackson and said she was “engulfed” by great sorrow.
“Our love was a grand 20-year adventure. He was so peaceful,” Mydock said. “I’m forever thankful to the officers who allowed us to open prayers over his vessel. Go in love as you did on this earth. We love you and will carry you for the rest of our days. I love you sweet, sweet man. Thank you for shining so bright.”
Mark Hinshaw, a longtime Pahoa community leader, described Jackson as “a best friend.”
“He built my home and was always there for me when I needed help,” Hinshaw said. “… The world lost a very good soul … and heaven gained an angel to watch over us all.”
A GoFundMe online page titled “Memorial for Ernest Jackson” had raised $2,895 of a $5,000 goal in just four hours Friday.
Jackson reportedly wasn’t wearing a helmet when the collision occurred, and police don’t think speed or alcohol were factors in the crash.
An autopsy was ordered as part of the investigation.
Jackson’s death is the 24th official traffic fatality this year compared to 15 at this time last year. There also have been four vehicle-related deaths this year police don’t count toward the official total because two occurred on private property and two in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Witnesses are asked to call Officer Keith Nacis at 961-2339 or Crime Stoppers at 961-8300.
Email John Burnett at jburnett@hawaiitribune-herald.com.