Honoka`a Man Crushed by Vehicle

A 58-year-old Honoka`a man died Wednesday afternoon after he was crushed by a vehicle under which he was working.

Police responding to the 45-3200 block of Ohia street following a 4:10 p.m. call found the man unresponsive under a van.

Police identified the victim as James Thomas Jones.

Officers determined that the van had been placed on jacks and then collapsed.

Fire rescue personnel removed him from under the van and transported him to Hilo Medical Center, where he was officially pronounced dead at 9:04 p.m.

An autopsy conducted this morning determined that Jones died from asphyxiation due to traumatic chest compression.

Police said no evidence of foul play was found. The case was initially classified as a coroner’s inquest but is expected to be listed as a home accident.