Lāwa‘i Man Arrested in Connection to Fatal Christmas Eve Car Crash

Kaua‘i police arrested a Lāwa‘i man involved in the two-vehicle crash that occurred on Kaumuali‘i Highway on Christmas Eve, which resulted in the death of a 49-year-old Hanamā‘ulu woman, and serious injuries to other individuals.

Sandon Igne, age 31, was arrested Wednesday for manslaughter and three counts of first-degree negligent injury. He was released pending further investigation.

According to a preliminary investigation, at approximately 4 p.m. on Dec. 24, a 2011 Toyota Tacoma, operated by Igne, was traveling west on Kaumuali‘i Highway in the area known as Knudsen Gap when the vehicle veered onto the westbound shoulder. The truck then crossed back over onto the westbound lane and subsequently onto the eastbound lane of the highway where it struck an oncoming 2018 Nissan sedan operated by a 19-year-old male of Hanamāʿulu with three other occupants.

A 49-year-old woman, who was a rear passenger in the Nissan sedan, suffered fatal injuries. Police identified her as Eugenia Villanueva of Hanamā‘ulu.

A 71-year-old male resident, a rear passenger of the Nissan sedan, suffered serious life-threatening injuries and was medevaced to Queen’s Medical Center on Oʽahu where he currently remains in critical but stable condition.

The front passenger of the Nissan sedan, a 19-year-old female of Hanamāʿulu, suffered serious injuries and was admitted to Wilcox Memorial Center, where she currently remains in stable condition.

The driver of the Nissan sedan was treated and released at Wilcox Memorial Center.
Igne, the driver of the Toyota truck, suffered minor injuries as a result of the crash and was transported to Wilcox Memorial Center, where he was treated and released.

Kaumualiʿi Highway was closed in both directions for approximately four hours on Dec. 24, while the Kauaʽi Police Department’s Traffic Safety Section conducted a thorough investigation.

Toxicology results are still pending to determine if alcohol and/or drugs were a factor in the collision. The Kauaʿi Police Department’s Traffic Safety Section is conducting an extensive investigation into this tragic collision.

Anyone who may have witnessed the crash is asked to please call Officer Isaiah Sarsona of the Traffic Safety Section at 808-241-1618.