Kona, HI – Jelson Leslie Hit & Killed in Pedestrian Collision on Kinue Rd

Kona, HI (January 1, 2025) – Hawaii Island police said a 52-year-old man has died after he was struck by a vehicle in South Kona.

Officials responded to a residential area along Kinue Road, just two minutes into the new year, on Wednesday. Investigators determined that a white 2018 Honda Accord was traveling eastbound when it struck 52-year-old Jelson Kainue Leslie of Captain Cook as he was setting up fireworks.

After striking the pedestrian, the Honda then crashed into a parked white Chevrolet pickup truck. Leslie was transported to the Kona Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 1:00 a.m. However, no further details have been released at this time, and the incident remains under investigation.

We offer our deepest condolences to Jelson Kainue Leslie’s family members.

Pedestrian Accidents in Hawaii

Across the state of Hawaii, we see a significant number of individuals lose their lives as a result of motor vehicle accidents. Regrettably, these accidents are typically a result of drivers who fail to follow traffic laws. When it comes to drivers being distracted, texting and driving is becoming a severe problem in the United States, causing millions of accidents and injuries per year. Over the last year, over 7,000 pedestrians lost their lives in car accidents across the country.

Pedestrians are more likely to suffer significant trauma to the head, internal organ injuries, and other injuries that can ultimately take their lives. The sudden and unexpected loss of a loved one due to a fatal collision can be incredibly difficult to deal with.

If you have been injured in such a collision or lost a loved one due to a fatal pedestrian crash, your family can take legal action against the responsible party. You must seek representation from a Hawaii pedestrian accident lawyer right away. An attorney can help your family protect your rights and get justice while holding the negligent party to account.

At Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner, we understand the pain and suffering that comes with losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence. That is why our dedicated team of attorneys is committed to fighting for justice on behalf of our clients and providing them with closure during this difficult time in their lives.

With our experience and resources, our knowledgeable Kona wrongful death lawyers are prepared to handle even the most complex cases involving motor vehicle crashes caused by careless drivers. If you have lost a family member in a fatal pedestrian accident, please contact our personal injury law firm by calling 808-537-2525 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We are here to protect your rights and help you get the justice you deserve.

Notes: Our team of writers uses secondary sources such as news reports and local and state police incident reports to create these posts. We have not independently verified all of the facts surrounding this particular accident, so if there is any incorrect information, please contact Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner right away so that we can update the post to reflect the most accurate information available. 

Disclaimer: This post is not a solicitation for business. None of the information in this post is intended to be legal advice or medical advice. If you are injured in an accident, seek medical assistance immediately.