A 24-year-old Kauai man, identified by police as Caden Garon, was killed early Saturday morning, May 2, after a single-vehicle crash on Kaumualii Highway near Kalepa Street in Lihue. Police say the vehicle overturned after it struck a cement curb and two traffic-signal poles, throwing both people inside from the Jeep. The passenger was rushed to the hospital in critical condition, and the driver later died from his injuries.
What investigators say
According to Hawaii News Now, Kaua‘i police said a 2003 Jeep Wrangler was heading eastbound at about 3:10 a.m. when it hit a curb, slammed into two traffic-signal poles and then overturned. Both occupants were initially taken to Wilcox Medical Center, and the passenger was later transferred to The Queen’s Medical Center in critical condition. Garon, identified as the driver, died after being taken to the hospital.
Speed suspected; toxicology pending
Police told the Star-Advertiser that speed appears to have been a contributing factor in the crash, and toxicology results are pending to determine whether impairment also played a role. The intersection was shut down for more than two hours while the Kaua‘i Police Department’s Traffic Safety Section carried out its on-scene investigation. Officials are asking anyone who saw the crash or has information about it to contact police.
Impact and context
This crash marked Kaua‘i’s fourth traffic fatality of 2026, a grim early tally that local outlets have been tracking as investigators sort through a string of serious collisions on the island. Authorities say the Traffic Safety Section will forward its confirmed findings to the appropriate offices as they are finalized, and witnesses are urged to call 911 with any tips. This story will be updated as more official information is released.
