Loved ones ask for help with funeral, medical bills after fatal North Hilo crash leaves family ‘shattered’

HILO (HawaiiNewsNow) - The family of a woman killed in a head-on crash in North Hilo last week is asking the community for help.

Loved ones have launched a GoFundMe page to raise money for funeral services for Anina Masaichy, 47, of Kailua-Kona, and medical bills for those still recovering from the crash.

The GoFundMe post was written by the daughter of the victim, Joeanny Masaichy, and says in part, “Any support — whether through donations, prayers, or by sharing our story — would mean more than words can express. Your kindness and generosity will help us find strength and hope as we begin to rebuild our lives without our mom, Anina.”

The crash happened on Daniel K. Inouye Highway, also known as Saddle Road, Thursday, Oct. 23, around 5 p.m., in North Hilo.

According to police, a Toyota pickup was traveling Hilo-bound and overtook multiple vehicles on Saddle Road. The Toyota then struck a Subaru traveling in the opposite direction.

As a result of the crash, five occupants inside the Subaru were transported to hospitals for treatment.

A sixth passenger, who was in the backseat of the Subaru, was identified as Anina Masaichy.

The five other Subaru occupants include a three-week-old female infant, a four-year-old boy, a 17-year-old girl, and two adults, an 18-year-old female and a 51-year-old male.

All five occupants sustained serious injuries.

The money raised via GoFundMe will also go toward supporting the family on their recovery journey, two of whom are Joeanny’s children.

“This unimaginable tragedy has left our family shattered,” Joeanny Masaichy said in her post on GoFundMe. “As we grieve the loss of my mom, I’m also facing the emotional and financial challenges of being here on Oahu to support my loved ones who remain in critical condition. The road ahead will be long and uncertain, with funeral expenses, medical bills, and recovery costs adding to the pain we’re already enduring.”

Family members are hoping to raise $20,000 by the day of the funeral, Nov. 24.

Click here to help them reach their goal in the wake of this tragedy.