Hawaii was struck by tragedy this week as a plane crash near Daniel K. Inouye International Airport claimed lives and left heartbreak in its wake. The fiery crash, which shut down Ualena and Aolele streets, rattled Honolulu County, sending shockwaves through the close-knit Hawaiian community. Our deepest condolences go out to the victims involved. For Dillon Gabriel, the Oregon Ducks’ Heisman finalist quarterback with strong Hawaiian roots, this tragedy hit especially close to home.
Dillon Gabriel, a proud graduate of Mililani High School, carries Hawaii with him every time he steps onto the field. As details of the crash unfolded, the story turned more personal through his fiancée, Zo Caswell. She shared an emotional post on her Instagram story, reflecting the grief rippling through the islands. Zo reposted a Hawaii News Now update featuring the victim, Hiram DeFries-Saronitman, a Punahou School graduate and pilot in training who tragically lost his life. “Absolutely heartbreaking 💔,” Zo wrote—a sentiment that captured what many in the community were feeling. Her post wasn’t just an acknowledgement of the event—it was a moment of shared mourning.
The crash involved a Kamaka Aeroplane, and initial reports confirm it was a general aviation aircraft, not a commercial flight. Witnesses described a chilling scene: a loud crash followed by flames engulfing the wreckage. Loved ones have since identified DeFries-Saronitman as one of the pilots. At just 24 years old, he was a young man with dreams as boundless as the Hawaiian skies, now tragically cut short.
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As the community comes to terms with this loss, the state Department of Transportation and NTSB investigators are working to piece together the events leading to the crash. The wreckage will be moved to a secure facility for further analysis, but answers will never fill the void left behind.
Hawaii’s culture is rooted in aloha—love, peace, and compassion—and that spirit has been evident in the outpouring of support for the victims and their families. For Gabriel, who represents Hawaii on the national stage, this tragedy is a stark reminder of home’s fragility. Zo’s heartfelt tribute on social media reflects not just her own sorrow but also the collective grief of those who feel this loss deeply. In moments like these, the world feels small, connected by shared pain and the hope for healing.
The story of the crash is still unfolding, with investigations underway and a community in mourning. More sad news for Hawaii and its people: more heartbreaking details have emerged about the second Kamaka Air pilot who lost his life in Tuesday’s devastating plane crash near Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. Preston Kaluhiwa, just 26 years old, has been identified as the other victim.
A proud graduate of Kamehameha Schools’ class of 2016, Preston was more than a pilot—he was an athlete, a dreamer, and a beloved member of his community. During his time at Kamehameha, he competed on the kayaking team, embodying the Hawaiian spirit of strength and resilience. In 2023, Preston pursued his dreams even further, traveling to Ohio to earn an advanced pilot license to operate multi-engine planes. His determination to soar higher reflected a passion that deeply inspired those around him.
While investigators continue to piece together the cause of the crash, the loss of Preston leaves a void that words can’t fill. For now, what remains is a reminder of how precious life is and how deeply it can be felt when tragedy strikes so close to home. As Dillon Gabriel and his girlfriend navigate their own grief.