Hawai‘i swimmer killed in collision

By Kyle Sakamoto and Stacy Kaneshiro
Advertiser Staff Writers

University of Hawai‘i swimmer Tammy Tye was killed Friday night after being struck by a car while riding her bicycle in MØ‘ili‘ili, according to UH athletic director Hugh Yoshida.

Tye, 19, was in a crosswalk on Beretania Street near Star Market at 8:10 p.m. when she was struck by the car.

Tye was taken to Queen’s Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead.

Police do not believe speed or alcohol were factors in the accident.

The 45-year-old driver was not injured.

“She was a real vivacious, outgoing young lady,” UH swim coach Bruce Kennard said. “She was pretty much loved by everyone on the team. She was a real positive influence.”

The swim team was in New York for the NCAA championships when the accident occurred. Kennard said he got the news in the early morning hours.

Since the swimmers still had more events on Saturday, Kennard said he held the news from his swimmers. But he said they could sense something was wrong and they “seemed distracted.” After the meet, he gathered the swimmers in a room and gave them the news.

Tye competed mostly in freestyle events, but was versatile enough for the individual medley and breaststroke.

“We used her in a variety of ways,” Kennard said. “If we needed an extra person, we’d stick her in there. She did whatever we asked.”

Tye, a sophomore, was from Somerset, England. She is survived by parents Sandy and Richard Tye, and two sisters and one brother.

A monetary collection for the family will be accepted at tonight’s Women’s National Invitation basketball game between Hawai‘i and Brigham Young, Yoshida said.