HPD Identifies Driver Killed in Highway 19 Crash in February

Authorities have identified the driver killed in a single-vehicle traffic collision that occurred on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022, on Highway 19 in Pāpa‘aloa as Dean Cowell, 69, of Carson, New Mexico.

Although an autopsy has been conducted, the completed autopsy report and exact cause of death have not been determined at this time, Hawai‘i police reported Monday, March 14.

Police investigating the traffic collision determined that Cowell was operating a 2020 Ford Edge traveling north on Highway 19, in the area of mile marker 18, when he appears to have veered into the right shoulder while approaching a bridge.

“The car then proceeded north off the cliff and struck the bridge’s support column before coming to a rest in the ravine below,” police stated. “At the time of the collision the roadways did not appear to be wet, however, it had been overcast in the area.”

The East Hawaii Traffic Enforcement Unit continues to investigate this as a coroner’s inquest investigation, which remains pending. Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or who has information may contact Officer Blayne Matsui at 808-961-2339 or via email Blayne.Matsui@HawaiiCounty.gov. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 808-961-8300.