Hawaii’s first pedestrian fatality of 2023 identified
STAR-ADVERTISER
The intersection where a pedestrian was fatally struck on the morning of Jan. 2. Police said it was the first traffic-related fatality of the year.
Hawaii’s first pedestrian fatality of 2023 has been identified by the Honolulu Medical Examiner’s office as Jenifer Van Lent, 71, of Kailua.
Honolulu police said that just before 6 a.m. on Jan. 2, Van Lent was attempting to cross Keolu Drive when she was struck by a vehicle driven by an 85-year-old man traveling east.
Police said she was within a marked crosswalk at the intersection of Akiohala Street.
Emergency Medical Services personnel treated and transported her in critical condition to a hospital, where she later died.
Police said the driver remained at the scene and did not sustain any injuries, and that speed, alcohol, and drugs do not appear to be factors at this time.
The crosswalk is in a school zone near an elementary school. The speed limit on Keolu Drive is 25 mph.
In memory of Van Lent, friends and family have wrapped bouquets of flowers and mementos around the school crosswalk sign.
Police said the investigation is ongoing.
