Volcano Man Dies in Motorcycle Accident

A 23-year-old man died Tuesday night in a motorcycle crash that occurred near the 25-mile marker in Volcano..

In response to a 8:34 p.m. call, the Hawai’i Police Department learned that the man was driving a 2003 Honda XR100R dirt bike in the north direction on Route 11. The motorcycle was being operated with no lights when it struck a 2005 Dodge Caravan that was in the southbound lane, making a turn onto Nahelenani Street.

The Hawai’i Police Department has identified the man as Ronson Benton of Volcano.

According to police, the man was not wearing a helmet and was thrown from the bike in the crash. He was taken to Hilo Medical Center, where he later died.

A 48-year-old woman driving the van was not injured in the crash.

Officers said the dirt bike was operating without a license plate and was not equipped to be operated on a public highway.

Police have not yet determined if speed of alcohol were contributing factors to the crash. A standard negligent homicide case has been opened and authorities will continue to investigate.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or operation of the dirt bike prior to the collision should call Officer William Brown at 965-2716.