Double Fatality in Three-Vehicle Collision

A three-vehicle collision Saturday night on Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway near the 94-mile marker killed a motorcycle operator and his passenger.

According to the Hawai’i Police Department, the driver has been identified as 47-year-old Rick Dupont. His male passenger has not been identified.

Officers responded to a 7:32 p.m. call, where they determined that a 2014 Nissan Altima, operated by a 23-year-old woman, was traveling south on Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway when it crossed left of the center line and side-swiped a 2010 Ford Fusion that was traveling north. After being side-swiped the Ford struck a 2013 Honda CRF 250L motorcycle head-on. The motorcycle was also heading north.

Police say Dupont and his passenger were thrown from the motorcycle upon impact. Both men were taken to Kona Community Hospital.

Dupont was pronounced dead at 11:55 p.m. and his passenger was pronounced dead at 11:56 p.m. Their exact cause of death will be determined through an autopsy that has been ordered.

The 23-year-old woman who operated the Nissan has been identified by police as Rebecca Vetter of Honolulu. Vetter was taken to Kona Community Hospital for treatment. She was later released and arrested on suspicion of first-degree negligent homicide. According to HPD, she was released from custody pending further investigation.

Police say a 60-year-old Kamuela woman was the operator of the Ford. She refused treatment and was released by medics at the scene.

Anyone who may have witnessed the crash is asked to call Officer Kimo Keliipaakaua at 326-4646, extension 229.

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