Man Dies in Kona Three Vehicle Collision

A three-vehicle collision involving a motorcycle occurred in Kona Tuesday evening. One motorist in the accident has died.

The Hawai’i Police Department has identified the victim as 56-year-old Robert Pfleger of Holualoa.

According to HPD, police responded to a 5:24 p.m. call where they determined that a 2004 Jeep Cherokee under the operation of Anna Vaverko of Kailua-Kona had been traveling west on Hina Lani Street. HPD say the Jeep turned left onto Kamanu Street and hit a 2007 Yamaha motorcycle being operated by Pfleger head-on. After hitting the motorcycle, the Jeep also hit a Ford F-150 pickup truck head-on. The truck was traveling north on Kamanu Street and was being operated by a 74-year-old man.

At the time of the incident, police say Pfleger was wearing a helmet but was taken to Kona Community Hospital with injuries sustained to his legs and head. He was pronounced dead at 6:04 p.m. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

Neither occupants of the truck or jeep were injured in the incident.

Police arrested Vaverko on suspicion of negligent homicide. According to authorities, she was released pending further investigation.

A negligent homicide investigation has been initiated by the Traffic Enforcement Unit. The Unit is asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash to call Officer Kim Keliipaakaua or Officer Christopher Kapua-Allison at 326-4646, extension 229.

Individuals who wish to remain anonymous can call the Big Island Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300.