The driver of the Toyota that was involved in a fatal traffic collision Thursday morning on the Daniel K. Inouye Highway near the 18-mile marker in Hilo has been identified as 17-year-old Mackenzie Valentin of Hilo.

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Responding to a reported traffic collision at 8:34 a.m., police determined that a 2003 Toyota 4-Runner driven by Valentin was traveling west (Kona-bound) on DKI Highway — also know as Saddle Road — when she lost control while negotiating a curve.

The Toyota hydroplaned into the east (Hilo-bound) lane and was subsequently broadsided by a 2024 Ford F450 commercial truck. The collision caused major damage to both vehicles, and the Toyota subsequently caught on fire as a result of the crash.

Valentin was trapped within the vehicle and unresponsive when responding personnel arrived.

Fire personnel extinguished the fire, and she was transported to the Hilo Benioff Medical Center and pronounced dead at 11:30 a.m.

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The driver of the Ford, a 53-year-old Kailua-Kona man, was transported to HBMC and treated for minor injuries.

Police do not believe speed or intoxication are factors, but weather may have played a factor in the collision.

Police ask anyone who has additional information regarding this collision to contact Officer Laurence Davis at (808) 961-2339, or via email at [email protected]. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.

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