5-year-old Kauai boy hospitalized after Kuhio Highway crash; family overwhelmed by community support
By Kimber Collins
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HONOLULU (KITV) — A Kauai family is facing an unthinkable road to recovery after a single-vehicle crash left a five-year-old boy with serious injuries just days before Christmas.
Police said the crash happened on Tuesday, Dec. 23, around 5 p.m. on Kuhio Highway near the Wailua Golf Course. According to investigators, a 2025 Toyota SUV traveling northbound sideswiped a guardrail, struck a utility pole and spun. During the crash, a child was ejected from the vehicle.
The child, identified by family as Mateo, was initially taken to Wilcox Medical Center before being life-flighted to Kapiolani Medical Center for further treatment.
Police said a 35-year-old woman from Wailua may have been driving the vehicle. Two other passengers were not injured. No other vehicles were involved. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and toxicology results are pending. Kuhio Highway was closed for approximately two hours while Kauai Police conducted an on-scene investigation.
Mateo’s uncle, Chase LaMadrid-Engel, said the past few days have been filled with uncertainty, but also hope.
“He’s doing a lot better than the past few days,” LaMadrid-Engel said. “The doctors told us this morning he’s looking good, but we’re not out of the woods yet.”
Family members said Mateo has already undergone multiple surgeries to address injuries to his internal organs, which his uncle says were damaged during the crash. Doctors are also continuing to monitor injuries to his arm and shoulder.
“They’re working on helping his arm recover the best they can,” LaMadrid-Engel said.
While police reports indicate the child was ejected from the vehicle, the family said they are still searching for answers.
“It was a freak accident,” LaMadrid-Engel said. “We don’t really know what happened.”
Family said Mateo was in the vehicle with his parents, his mother, Leeanna and his father, along with his three-month-old baby sister, Aliana. Everyone else in the vehicle was unharmed.
“They’re hanging in there,” LaMadrid-Engel said of Mateo’s parents. “They’re being strong for him. We’re all trying to be strong.”
Doctors said Mateo has shown encouraging signs, including responding to family members and nodding to acknowledge them. His uncle said scans show no traumatic brain injury, and medical staff are working to slowly wean him off a ventilator.
“We’ll take any good news we can,” he said.
Family members describe Mateo as an active, stubborn and determined five-year-old who loves being outside.
“He loves soccer. He loves riding his bike,” his uncle said. “He’s on his third bike already. He’s a little hard-headed, and I think that trait is going to help him get through this.”
One of LaMadrid-Engel’s last memories with Mateo came just the night before the crash.
“He was trying to help cut my hair in the garage,” he said. “We kept telling him no, but he kept trying anyway. That’s just who he is.”
As medical bills continue to grow, the family has launched a GoFundMe that has already raised more than $21,000. LaMadrid-Engel said the outpouring of support has been overwhelming.
“Thank you so much for your support, all the texts, all the messages,” he said. “We may not be responding to everyone, but we see it. We feel it. We love Kauai.”
He said family and friends, including relatives on the mainland, have stepped in to help with lodging and expenses while Mateo remains hospitalized on Oahu.
“This isn’t where we wanted to spend Christmas,” LaMadrid-Engel said. “But we’re thankful for the love we’re surrounded by.”
Police ask anyone who may have witnessed the crash to contact Officer Henshaw at 808-241-1616. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers Kauai at 808-246-8300, online at crimestopperskauai.org or through the P3 Tips mobile app.
As for Mateo, his family said the journey ahead is still uncertain, but they’re holding onto faith, strength and the support of the Kauai community.
“We’re going to fight through this together,” his uncle said. “There’s no other option.”
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