Kona Teen Dies Following Single-Vehicle Crash on Old Saddle Road

A 17-year-old female died following a single-vehicle collision on Friday, July 22, on the Old Saddle Road, .3 miles makai of mile marker 44 in South Kohala.

The teen has been positively identified as Tobey Grace Crowe of Kailua-Kona.

Hawaii police responded to the crash at 11:48 a.m. During the course of their investigation, authorities determined a white 2016 Toyota 4Runner SUV driven by Crowe was heading mauka, when it failed to negotiate a right-hand turn and ran off the roadway.

The Toyota 4Runner then struck a dirt embankment and rolled over several times, ejecting Crowe, police reported. She was transported to the Queen’s North Hawai‘i Community Hospital where she later died at 12:51 p.m.

Two 17-year-old female passengers from Waikōloa within the vehicle were also injured. Both teens were also taken to the QNHCH for treatment where they are both listed in stable condition.

Police believe that speed is a factor in the crash. Also, the driver was not wearing her seatbelt.

An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

The Area II Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation and is asking for anyone who may have witnessed the collision to contact Officer Len Hamakado at 808-326-4646 Ext. 229 or email at len.hamakado@hawaiicounty.gov.

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

This is the 23rd traffic fatality this year compared to 13 at this time last year.