Maui Police have identified the woman found dead along Kahekili Highway in Wailuku early this morning. She has been identified as 31 year-old Brandy Ann Mendes of Waiehu.

According to Police, the victim’s body was discovered at 5:49 a.m. today about a tenth of a mile south of Kamaile Street along the makai shoulder of the roadway – on the Happy Valley side of the highway.

Investigators have determined that Mendes was walking toward Waihee on the makai side of the road when she was struck by an unknown vehicle traveling in the same direction. Medical examiners have determined the accident happened between 7:40 p.m. Friday and the time her body was discovered this morning. Preliminary investigation reveals that the victim weas struck by a dark red-metallic color 1997-2002 Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, or similar Silverado-style vehicle. This vehicle will have front-end damage – including the likelihood that the passenger-side headlight is broken or missing.

Maui Police are asking for the public’s help in locating the vehicle and driver – who fled the scene of a fatal crash, also failing to render assistance. Anyone with information is encouraged to call Crimestoppers at 808-242-6966.

Until more is known, the involvement of speed, drugs and/or alcohol have not been determined.

The death of Ms. Mendes is the 17th on Maui County roads this year – compared with nine at this time last year.