18-year-old dies from injuries sustained in crash in Captain Cook

An 18-year-old male died Sunday from injuries sustained in a single-vehicle collision on Nāpo‘opo‘o Road in Captain Cook, according to the Hawaiʻi Police Department.

The teen has been positively identified as Maui Kamokukaulanaina Easton Marley Ellis-Noa.

Police responded to a call at 9:18 a.m. on Oct. 16 and determined a gray 2005 Ford F-150 pickup truck was heading west on Nāpo‘opo‘o Road when it ran off of the right shoulder and struck a large tree.

Ellis-Noa was transported to Kona Community Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 1:30 p.m.

Police believe that speed is a factor in the crash. 

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 Adam Roberg at 808-326-4646, ext. 229, or email at adam.roberg@hawaiicounty.gov. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 808-961-8300. 

This is the 29th traffic fatality on the Big Island this year compared to 20 at this time last year.