HONOLULU)— Heartbreak ripples through the Oʻahu community following the tragic death of Kylee Chun, a 29-year-old single mother whose life was cut short in a wrong-way crash on the H-1 freeway early Sunday morning.
“She’s so young and she still had so much more to do — so much more to live for,” said her aunt, Beejay Drury, through tears. “It’s just heartbreaking. I mean, all of our hearts are shattered.”
The crash occurred just before 4 a.m. near the Punahou Street overpass, when Kylee, driving eastbound in the westbound lanes, collided with a Matson semi-truck. Police confirmed that she was not wearing a seatbelt, though speed is not believed to be a factor.
Kylee had just celebrated her birthday and was heading home when the crash occurred. She had recently returned to Hawaiʻi in January after being displaced by the devastating California wildfires, and was still adjusting to the island’s roads—often relying on navigation apps to find her way.
“She was new to Oʻahu and hadn’t been home in a long time,” said Drury. “She was just trying to get around using Google Maps or Apple Maps.”
A devoted mother to two young boys, ages 3 and 5, Kylee had moved back to Hawaiʻi with dreams of building a better life for her children. She was known for her sweet, kind, and playful spirit, and she hoped to one day become a teacher.
“She was full of light and laughter,” Drury added. “Always spontaneous with her boys and always doing fun stuff. She just wanted a better life for the boys. It’s been so hard for them these last few months.”
Now, her loved ones are left facing the unimaginable — how to explain to two small children that their mother is never coming home.
Kylee’s death marks the 44th traffic fatality on Oʻahu this year, double the number at the same time in 2024. A GoFundMe page has been launched to help cover funeral expenses and support her young sons in the months ahead.
Kylee Chun will be remembered for the joy she brought to those around her and the deep love she held for her family. Her passing leaves a void in the hearts of all who knew her.
Leave a Reply