Drunk driving suspected in fatal Hawaii island crash
Hawaii County police arrested a 20-year-old Hilo woman for investigation of drunk driving and negligent homicide in connection with a fatal crash in North Kona Friday night.
Police said the woman was driving a 2005 Toyota sedan south on Queen Kaahumanu Highway near the 91 mile marker when she tried to overtake a 2006 Chrysler sedan and hit the Chrysler’s left rear corner shortly before midnight.
Police said Hilo resident Christine Laeda, a passenger in the Toyota, was ejected from the vehicle and died.
Police arrested the Toyota’s driver for investigation of negligent homicide, drunken driving, having an open container of alcohol in the vehicle, and underage drinking.
The driver of the second vehicle, a California man, and his passenger were not hurt.
It was the 20th traffic fatality on Hawaii Island this year compared to 12 at this time last year.
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