Just two minutes into 2025, Jelson Kainue Leslie, a 52-year-old man from Captain Cook, HI, was setting up fireworks on the road when he was struck and fatally injured by a driver suspected of driving under the influence.
The crash was reported around 12:02 am in South Kona. When police arrived on the scene they found a white 2018 Honda Accord, allegedly driven by 23-year-old Kelly Kaikili Losalio. Investigators determined that Losalio was traveling east when his car struck Leslie. Losalio then collided with a parked 1998 Chevrolet pickup truck. According to preliminary findings, police say evidence points to both speed and impairment contributing to the collision.
Leslie was taken to the Kona Community Hospital and was pronounced dead at 1 am. Losalio remains in custody after being arrested on suspicion of operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant and negligent homicide.
Dangers of Driving Under the Influence
Driving under the influence (DUI) poses a devastating risk to everyone on the road. Impaired drivers have reduced reaction times, impaired judgment, and a higher likelihood of engaging in reckless behaviors such as speeding or ignoring traffic rules. These choices can lead to tragic, irreversible consequences, as seen in the loss of Jelson Kainue Leslie’s life on New Year’s Eve.
“When a loved one is taken by the reckless action of a drunk driver, the pain is unimaginable,” says Brett Schreiber, attorney at Singleton Schreiber, “No one should ever have to endure the loss of a family member due to another’s choice to drive under the influence. If you are facing such a tragedy, a personal injury lawyer may be able to help you file a wrongful death claim to hold the responsible party accountable.”
Legal Options Available to Families Who Lost Loved Ones in DUI Accidents
Losing a loved one in a drunk driving accident is a heartbreaking experience, and while no legal action can undo the pain, families have the right to seek justice and accountability. A wrongful death claim can help surviving family members address the financial and emotional burdens caused by their loss.
Through a wrongful death lawsuit, families may be able to receive compensation for:
- Funeral and burial costs – the costs associated with end-of-life arrangements
- Medical bills – for any life-saving medical care the deceased may have received prior to dying
- Lost income and future support – if the deceased was a provider for their family, a claim could account for the financial support they would have offered had they not died
- Emotional distress and loss of companionship – the profound emotional pain experienced by surviving family members, as well as the loss of the guidance, love, and support the deceased provided in their lives
If you have lost a loved one due to the reckless actions of an intoxicated driver, contact Singleton Schreiber to learn more about your options. Call us today at (808) 582-8062 or email us at info@singletonschreiber.com to get started with a free consultation.
