HONOLULU, HI — The Oʻahu community is reeling from the tragic loss of Kylee Noheamaikalani Chun, a 25-year-old single mother of two, whose life was cut short in a devastating wrong-way crash on the H-1 freeway early Sunday morning, July 20, 2025.

The fatal collision occurred around 3:45 a.m. near the Punahou Street overpass, when Kylee, driving eastbound in the westbound lanes, collided head-on with an 18-wheeler driven by a 77-year-old man, according to the Honolulu Police Department’s Vehicular Homicide Section. Emergency responders treated Kylee at the scene, but she succumbed to her injuries at a nearby hospital. The truck driver was hospitalized in stable condition. Police have stated that speed was not a factor, and it remains unclear if alcohol or drugs played a role, pending further investigation.

Kylee, who had just celebrated her 25th birthday with friends, was a vibrant and devoted mother to her two young sons, Mateo, 5, and Liko, 3. Having moved back to Oʻahu from Los Angeles in January 2025, she sought a safer, more peaceful life for her children after surviving California wildfires and a custody battle, which she won, securing full custody of her sons just months before her death. Her mother, Jennifer Chang, and younger sister had relocated to Honolulu just four days prior to support her and help raise her boys.

Known for her infectious laughter, kindness, and playful spirit, Kylee was a beacon of light to those who knew her. She dreamed of becoming a teacher and was in her second year of college, working toward a bachelor’s degree while raising her sons. She ran “Tutoring Services by Ms. Kylee,” offering educational support, financial aid guidance, and college application services for students from kindergarten through college. She also worked for HiEmployment, a staffing company serving multiple Hawaiian islands. “Kylee was full of light and laughter,” said her aunt, Ying “Beejay” Drury. “She was always spontaneous with her boys, always doing fun stuff.”

The crash, marking Oʻahu’s 44th traffic fatality of 2025 compared to 22 the previous year, has sparked grief and outrage across the island. A GoFundMe page, established to cover funeral expenses and support Mateo and Liko’s future, raised over $15,700 by Tuesday morning. Funds will support daily essentials, schooling, therapy, and a trust for her sons, ensuring Kylee’s dream of a secure, opportunity-filled life for them endures. “Kylee loved her sons more than anything in the world,” Drury wrote. “Her entire life was devoted to building a better future for her children.”

As the community mourns, a growing memorial of flowers, candles, and notes lines the H-1 freeway, reflecting Kylee’s profound impact. Social media tributes highlight her warmth and strength, with friends noting her ability to uplift others despite her own challenges. “Her smile lit up every room,” one friend wrote. The tragedy has reignited calls for stronger measures against wrong-way and impaired driving, with residents urging stricter DUI enforcement and awareness campaigns to prevent future losses.

Kylee’s family, now tasked with raising her sons, faces an unimaginable void. Her mother, Jennifer, is determined to honor Kylee’s legacy by ensuring Mateo and Liko grow up surrounded by love and support. The Honolulu Police Department continues its investigation, and the city’s Department of the Medical Examiner is still determining the official cause and manner of Kylee’s death. Anyone with information about the crash is urged to contact the Honolulu Police Department.

In the wake of this heartbreak, Kylee Noheamaikalani Chun is remembered not as a victim, but as a fighter, a devoted mother, and a soul who left an indelible mark on her community. Her light may have been extinguished too soon, but her love and legacy will live on through her sons and all who knew her.