Woman pedestrian killed in Kona
A 62-year-old Kailua-Kona woman died early Tuesday night after being struck by a car on Queen Kaahumanu Highway, 150 yards north of the Palani Road intersection in Kailua-Kona.
The woman has been positively identified as Gloria Jean Sanchez.
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Officers responding to a 5:06 p.m. call, determined that a silver 2011 Mercury Milan four-door sedan was heading south on Queen Kaahumanu Highway when it struck Sanchez, who was not in a crosswalk while crossing the multi-lane highway.
Sanchez was pronounced dead at 6 p.m. at Kona Community Hospital.
The driver of the Mercury, a 29-year-old Kailua-Kona man, wasn’t injured.
Police do not think speed or impairment are factors in the collision. The Kona Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a negligent homicide investigation.
An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
Sanchez death is the 19th traffic fatality this year, compared to 11 at this time last year.
Witnesses are asked to contact Officer Len Hamakado at (808) 326-4646 ext. 229, or len.hamakado@hawaiicounty.gov. Those who prefer anonymity may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.
