Man killed in Pāhoa when his truck hit a tree has been identified

The driver of a pickup truck involved in the fatal single-vehicle traffic collision in Pāhoa on Feb. 26 has been identified as 41-year old John Crouse of Hilo, according to the East Hawai’i Traffic Enforcement Unit.

According to Hawaiʻi Island police, the 2005 Nissan Frontier driven by Crouse was traveling south on Highway 137 when it veered off the road, 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.

Crouse 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.

There was one passenger in the truck, an unidentified 44-year-old female from Pāhoa, who sustained minor injuries and was transported to Hilo Medical Center for further treatment.

Speed and inattention are the two primary factors in the outcome of the crash, police say. Further investigation will be conducted relative to any additional contributing factors.

The East Hawai’i Traffic Enforcement Unit continues its investigation as a Coroner’s Inquest, which remains pending. Officer Clifford Antonio is the lead investigator and can be contacted at 808-961-2339 or via email at clifford.antonio@hawaiicounty.gov.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the island-wide Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.00.