A 62-year-old Kailua-Kona woman died following a single-vehicle collision on Tuesday, June 14, 2022, on Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway, 150 yards north of the Palani Road intersection in North Kona.

The woman has been positively identified as Gloria Jean Sanchez. 

Responding to a 5:06 p.m. call, police determined that a silver 2011 Mercury Milan four-door sedan was heading south on Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway when it struck Sanchez, who was crossing the multi-lane highway and was not in a marked crosswalk. Sanchez was transported to the Kona Community Hospital where she was later pronounced dead at 6:00 p.m.

The driver of the Mercury Milan, a 29-year-old Kailua-Kona man, was not injured in the collision.

Police do not believe that speed or impairment are factors in the collision and the Area II Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a negligent homicide investigation. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

Police are asking for anyone who may have witnessed the collision to contact Officer Len Hamakado at (808) 326-4646 ext. 229, or email at len.hamakado@hawaiicounty.gov. Citizens who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300. 

This is the 19th traffic fatality this year compared to 11 at this time last year.