HONOLULU (KHON2) — Family, friends and MADD Hawaii will come together Saturday afternoon for the one year anniversary of the late 16-year-old Sara Yara.
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On Feb. 15, 2023, the lives of Yara’s family and friends changed forever after Yara was hit by a pickup truck while crossing the street in a marked crosswalk at the intersection of Kapiolani Boulevard and Kamakee Street.
Honolulu police reported that the driver was speeding and ran a red light but never stopped to help after the incident. One day later, the driver turned himself in.
Her mother is still heartbroken.
“I just want everybody to remember, Sarah had a big heart,” said Sara’s mother Chevy Saniatan. “She would have made 18 this year in April. Phoebe has to graduate for both of them.”
She said they went to eat at Sara’s favorite restaurant for the anniversary.
Saniatan’s mission now is to make sure Sara is remembered and what happened to her does not happen to anyone else.