Family seeks support for Kauaʻi teenager recovering from severe injures in 3-vehicle wreck

A teenaged girl from Kauaʻi remains hospitalized at Queens Medical Center on O‘ahu with critical injuries sustained Monday morning during a three-vehicle crash on Kuamuali’i Highway in ‘Ōʻmaʻo.

In a GoFundMe account, the family has identified the teenager as Haylee Silva.

“Within moments, our family was faced with every parent and loved one’s worst nightmare,” said Jenny Dang, organizer of the GoFundMe. “She was listed in critical condition, and we didn’t know what the next hour would bring.”

Silva has undergone multiple emergency surgeries after suffering severe injuries, including trauma to her liver, multiple fractures in her arm and face, and a broken jaw, Dang wrote.

Additional surgery is planned, and doctors expect months of rehabilitation and therapy.

“By God’s grace and the incredible medical teams caring for her, Haylee is now stable,” Dang said. “Those words alone are something we will never take for granted. But stability is only the beginning of what will be a long and painful road to recovery.”

Silva remains hospitalized as she continues to receive specialized care. Her family said the mounting medical expenses include emergency transport, intensive care, lifesaving surgeries, continued hospitalization, upcoming facial surgery and long-term rehabilitation. Travel expenses for relatives staying by her side also have added to the financial strain.

The family is seeking $60,000 to help with her recovery. As of Thursday morning, more than $35,000 had been raised through 310 donations.

The crash occurred near the intersection of Kaumuali‘i Highway and ‘Ōma‘o Road at approximately 7 a.m. on Monday.

According to a news release from Kaua‘i County, a 2000 Toyota sedan was attempting a left turn from ‘Ōma‘o Road onto Kaumuali‘i Highway. A vehicle traveling in the outer eastbound lane stopped to allow the sedan to complete the turn. At that time, a 1995 Toyota truck was traveling in the inner eastbound lane and struck the front of the sedan. The driver of the truck was identified as Silva by her family.

Following the initial impact, the truck lost control and entered the westbound lane, where it was struck by a 2020 Toyota truck.

Friends and extended family have described Silva as resilient and strong, expressing hope as she continues to recover.

“Every day brings small victories — and new challenges,” Dang saud. “We are holding onto hope, strength and the support of our community.”

Individuals who may have witnessed the crash are urged to call Officer Henshaw at 808-241-1616. Those wishing to remain anonymous can provide information by calling CrimeStoppers Kauaʻi at 808-246-8300.