A Mothers Story

In Loving Memory of Koa Hutton – Dec. 21, 2004, to Jan. 21, 2024

Koa was born on December 21, 2004, at Maui Memorial Medical Center. He graduated from Penn Foster High School in 2023.  He relished in the companionship of his dog Buddy. Koa was in the process of purchasing a truck to accommodate Buddy and their adventures together. Koa enjoyed the outdoors and found pleasure in hunting, fishing, surfing, and throwing net.  He also enjoyed spending time with his girlfriend Emma. 

Koa’s life was taken on January 21, 2024, at the age of 19, when he was rear-ended by an alleged impaired driver in a car and was ejected from his motorcycle. Koa was wearing a helmet. 

Koa is survived by his mother Jeri, father Robert, and brother Kyle.  Jeri mentioned Koa was making plans for his future and had been considering the possibility of becoming a firefighter or going to college.  Jeri dreamed that both her sons would find a career path that would take them somewhere in life as she had worked and saved to pay for their education and ensure they had the ability to go to the college of their choice to pursue any career they would be interested in.  Jeri is the only college graduate in her family and wanted to ensure that her children had the same opportunities.

Mother’s Day will be different this year. In past years, Jeri mentioned, Koa brought her flowers.

It has only been four months since Koa’s passing and Jeri wants the community, as well as individuals who are in similar situations, to know that she is fighting for hope.  She wants people to reach out for support if they are in similar situations.  Jeri mentioned during these times you will learn who will stand by you through the darkest hours and only they should be by your side through your brightest hours. 

Koa has a brother who has also been impacted by his death.  

Jeri, Koa, and Kyle

Jeri will continue to fight for justice for Koa and help other victims who might also need support. She is grateful for MADD and believes that change will come as more checkpoints are administered and education will be more widespread in the communities