HONOLULU, Hawaii – Heartbreak has struck the Waianae community after authorities identified 19-year-old Tehya Mahelona as the victim of a tragic multi-vehicle crash in Nanakuli early Tuesday morning.
According to the Honolulu Medical Examiner’s Office, the crash occurred around 4:50 a.m. on October 28 along Farrington Highway near Pua Avenue. Police say the collision involved multiple vehicles and pedestrians. Preliminary reports indicate that Mahelona was walking in a marked crosswalk when she and another pedestrian were struck by a driver.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene, and Mahelona was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Despite the best efforts of medical staff, she succumbed to her injuries and was later pronounced deceased. Two other individuals were also injured and remain hospitalized in serious condition.
Authorities have not yet released details regarding what led to the crash, and the cause and manner of death remain under investigation by the Medical Examiner’s Office. Honolulu Police are reviewing evidence, including witness statements and nearby surveillance footage, as they work to determine the exact circumstances.
Tehya Mahelona’s death has left family, friends, and the broader Waianae community devastated. Loved ones remember her as a bright, caring, and spirited young woman whose life was full of promise. Messages of grief and support have poured in online, with many expressing sorrow and calling for improved pedestrian safety measures in the Nanakuli area.
As the investigation continues, Honolulu Police urge anyone with information about the crash to come forward and assist detectives.
This tragic loss serves as a painful reminder of how quickly lives can change and the importance of vigilance — both for drivers and pedestrians —on Hawaii’s roadways.