54-year-old man dies in single-vehicle crash in Hilo

A 54-year-old man from Volcano died in a single-vehicle fatal collision in Hilo on Saturday morning, according to the Hawaiʻi Island police.

The crash occurred at about 9:17 a.m. on Dec. 17 in the northbound section of Highway 11, in the area of the 5 mile-marker near Ikaika Street. The road was closed in that area for about three hours due to the crash.

Police determined through investigation and witness statements that a green 1993 Mazda sedan was observed weaving in the outer lane while traveling northbound on Highway 11. The sedan veered off into the right shoulder and clipped the end of a guardrail. It continued into the grassy shoulder when it struck a telephone pole before coming to a final rest.

The operator and sole occupant of the Mazda sedan was unresponsive at the scene. He was transported to the Hilo Medical Center via ambulance where he was pronounced dead at 9:59 a.m.

Identification of the victim is being withheld pending notification of his family. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

Police believe that speed is a primary factor at this time. Further investigation will be conducted relative to any contributing factors to this collision.

The East Hawaii Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a coroner’s inquest and will continue investigating this traffic collision. Police are asking for anyone who may have witnessed the crash or who has information to contact Officer Jerome Duarte at 808-961-2339 or via email at [email protected].

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

This is the 34^th traffic fatality of 2022 compared to 25 traffic fatalities during this same time period last year.