Motorcyclist Killed in Saddle Road Crash ID’d

Authorities have identified a motorcyclist killed in a crash on Daniel K. Inouye Highway on Wednesday, Oct. 27, as 44-year-old Tyson Garcia of Puna.

Hawaiʻi Police responded to the crash at approximately 8:34 a.m. near mile markers 31-32, on the Kona-side of Maunakea Access Road after receiving a report of a motorcycle and body found near some pasture land off the highway, also known as Saddle Road.

Through the course of their investigation, police learned Garcia was on a 2014 Harley Davidson traveling west. While negotiating a curve to the left in the roadway, police say the 44-year-old continued straight, crossing into the right shoulder and struck the curb at the edge of the asphalt, landing in the pasture.

“Police believe that the operator and motorcycle went airborne over a fence boarding the asphalt and pasture landing several yards away,” police stated in a press release.

Garcia, who was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, was transported to Hilo Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at 11:36 a.m. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

The road was closed for several hours as police investigated the crash and cleared the scene.

At this time, HPD’s East Hawaiʻi Traffic Enforcement Unit reports they do not believe there were any other vehicles involved, however, investigators are not ruling out the possibility and are asking for the public’s assistance in providing any information.

The Traffic Enforcement Unit has determined that speed and not wearing a helmet were contributing factors in the crash. Depending on the result of the autopsy and further testing, police will be able to determine if alcohol and/or drugs are factors, along with an estimated time of death relating to crash.

This is the 22nd fatal traffic collision of 2021 compared to 13 fatal traffic collisions during this same time period last year.

“The rise in fatal traffic collisions is a growing concern for the police, and added traffic enforcement projects will be completed over the upcoming weekend that will include speeding enforcement projects on DKI (Highway),” police stated.

The East Hawaiʻi Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation, which is pending. Police are asking for anyone who may have witnessed the crash or who has information to contact Officer Clifford Antonio at 808-961-2339 or send an email to Clifford.Antonio@HawaiiCounty.gov.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 808-961-8300.