(Update) Police Identify Woman Killed in DKI Crash, Investigation Ongoing

Hawai‘i Island police have identified the 74-year-old victim who died following a fatal traffic collision on Daniel K. Inouye Highway on Wednesday evening, Dec. 24, 2025, near the 13-mile marker as Judith Fitzgerald of Kailua-Kona.

At 7:28 p.m., officers responded to a two-vehicle collision and determined that a 2020 Toyota Tacoma pickup truck was traveling Hilo bound (east) when it crossed the center line and struck a 2025 Mazda two-door convertible head-on as it was traveling Kona bound (west). Fitzgerald, the operator of the Mazda, was located unresponsive at the scene and transported to the Hilo Benioff Medical Center where she was pronounced deceased at 7:59 p.m.

An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

The operator of the Toyota, 34-year-old Caitlin Smith of Hilo, sustained minor injuries and was transported to the Hilo Benioff Medical Center for treatment. Upon release, Smith was arrested for the following offenses:

• First-degree negligent homicide
• Operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant
• Reckless driving

On Thursday, Dec.25, at 7:55 p.m., after conferring with the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, police released Smith pending further investigation.

The Area I Traffic Enforcement Unit responded to the scene and is continuing the investigation.  At this time, police believe speed, alcohol and/or drugs, and reckless driving were the primary factors in the crash.

Anyone with information regarding this collision is asked to contact Officer Laurence Davis of the Area I Area I Traffic Enforcement Unit at (808) 961-2339 or via email at Laurence.Davis@hawaiipolice.gov. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.

This is the 21st traffic fatality of 2025 compared to 28 traffic fatalities this same time last year.