Family and friends are mourning the death of a 28-year-old Waialua woman in an early-morning crash Saturday on Kaukonahua Road in Wahiawa.

The Medical Examiner's Office said Kathy Kehau Gilman died of multiple internal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. A passenger, a 21-year-old Aiea woman, was taken to the hospital in fair condition.

A family friend had come upon the accident shortly after it occurred and raced to Gilman's mother's home to break the news, said Gilman's longtime friend Jai Mattos, who spoke on behalf of the family. Gilman's mother tried to get to the accident scene, but police had closed the road.

“;Her mom freaked out because she knew when the road is closed, there's a death,”; Mattos said.

Oddly, the mother then received a call from Kehau's phone, either accidentally or dialed by the passenger.

“;The girl is screaming, 'I can't get to you, Kehau,' and she hangs up the phone,”; Mattos said.

Gilman, who was not wearing a seat belt, was ejected onto the roadway, while her passenger, who wore a seat belt, was not thrown, police said.

Mattos said a police officer was holding Gilman as the ambulance pulled up, and that was when she took her last breath.

The initial report by police said Gilman was allegedly speeding when she lost control of the Ford Explorer at the top of the S-turn on Kaukonahua near Wilikina Drive.

The sport utility vehicle was heading toward Waialua, crossed onto the left shoulder, crossed back over the roadway, struck a guardrail on the right shoulder, then flipped over before skidding to a stop, police said.

Gilman's mother told the Star-Bulletin she was extremely upset Saturday night when TV news stations showed a photo of the wrong woman as her daughter, and she had not even gone to identify her daughter.

Mattos described Gilman as a generous person who had been supportive of her family, especially since her father, William, had been convicted on federal charges and is serving time in prison.

“;She would give you the shirt off her back,”; she said. “;She's hilarious, a funny, funny girl.”;

Gilman worked at the Goodwill Store on Schofield Barracks and had a happy life, she said.

The family is hoping her father will be allowed to attend her funeral.

Gilman's family and friends are questioning whether Gilman was driving the SUV. They ask witnesses who may have seen the accident, or Gilman and her friend at Kemoo Farms Bar & Grill prior to the accident, to call police at 529-3499 with any information.