Police identify 17-year-old killed in fiery Saddle Road crash

HAWAII ISLAND (HawaiiNewsNow) – Hawaii Island police have identified the teenager who died in a fiery crash on Daniel K. Inouye Highway earlier this month.

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The victim was identified as 17-year-old Mackenzie Valentin of Hilo.

The crash happened on the morning of June 4 near the 18-mile marker of Daniel K. Inouye Highway, also known as Saddle Road.

According to police, Valentin was driving a 2003 Toyota 4Runner westbound when she lost control while negotiating a curve. Investigators said the vehicle hydroplaned into the eastbound lane and was broadsided by a 2024 Ford F-450 commercial truck.

The collision caused major damage to both vehicles, and the Toyota caught fire.

Police said Valentin was trapped inside the vehicle and unresponsive when emergency crews arrived. Firefighters extinguished the blaze, and she was transported to Hilo Benioff Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead at 11:30 a.m.

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

Investigators said speed and intoxication do not appear to be factors in the crash, though weather conditions may have contributed.

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