Man dies when pickup goes airborne and hits tree in Pāhoa on Big Island

A 41-year-old male died on Sunday night after the pickup truck he was driving on Highway 137 in Pāhoa hit a tree in a single-vehicle crash. His 44-year-old female passenger suffered minor injuries.

According to Hawaiʻi Island police, the 2005 Nissan Frontier pickup truck was traveling south on Highway 137 when it veered off into the right shoulder and struck an embankment, sending the vehicle airborne. The vehicle then struck a nearby tree.

The accident occurred around 7:30 p.m. near the 13 mile-marker.

The driver was unresponsive at the scene. He was transported to the Hilo Medical Center where he was later pronounced dead at 11:58 p.m. that evening. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

The driver’s identify is being withheld at this time pending positive identification and notification of the family.

The 44-year-old female passenger from Pāhoa sustained minor injuries and was transported to Hilo Medical Center for further treatment.

At this time, police believe that speed and inattention are contributing factors to this collision.

The East Hawaii Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a coroner’s inquest and is continuing their investigation into this traffic collision. Police are asking for anyone who may have witnessed the collision or who has information about it, to contact Officer Clifford Antonio at (808) 961-2339 or via email at Clifford.Antonio@HawaiiCounty.gov.

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

This is the fifth fatal traffic collision of 2023 compared to eight fatal traffic collisions during this same time period last year.