Hawai‘i Island police arrested and later released a driver following a Christmas Eve crash that killed a longtime emergency room doctor.
Dr. Judith “Judy” Fitzgerald, 74, was driving a Mazda convertible west on Daniel K. Inouye Highway when a Toyota Tacoma pickup traveling in the opposite direction crossed the center line and hit her vehicle at about 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 24, police said in a Dec. 25 press release.
Fitzgerald was found unresponsive at the scene and taken to Hilo Benioff Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead at 7:59 p.m., according to police. The hospital confirmed in a social media post that Fitzgerald had served as a longtime emergency room doctor there, adding that the “loss is deeply felt.”
“Throughout her career, Dr. Fitzgerald generously volunteered for numerous leadership roles and was a steadfast advocate for the remarkable progress and growth our healthcare community has achieved,” the post read.
“Her commitment to excellence, education, and patient care left a lasting legacy that will continue to influence our work and our mission.”
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Authorities identified the other driver as 34-year-old Caitlin Smith of Hilo. Police said she sustained minor injuries and was initially arrested on suspicion of first-degree negligent homicide, operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant, and reckless driving.
Smith was released on Thursday, Dec. 25, pending further investigation after police conferred with the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, according to the release. Police said Smith is not accused of any wrongdoing at this time.
The investigation remains ongoing, police said, and they believe “speed, alcohol and/or drugs, and reckless driving were the primary factors in the crash.”
“She was a pillar in our community in the health field,” Hawaii County Mayor Kimo Alameda said of Dr. Fitzgerald, per Hawaii News Now. “To lose somebody like this tragically, it’s very sad for us.”
