Motorcyclist dies 3 weeks after being critically injured in Puna crash
A man from Pāhoa who was critically injured in a motorcycle crash earlier this month has died.
Hawai‘i Island police identified the victim as 53-year-old Joe McDonald.
The crash occurred on Sept. 5 in the area of the 14-mile marker on Highway 137 in Pāhoa. Officers responded to the scene at 1:48 p.m.
Through the course of their investigation, officers determined that McDonald, who was operating a 2004 Honda Shadow motorcycle, was traveling south when he lost control and veered off the roadway.
McDonald was ejected from the motorcycle and suffered critical injuries. He was transported to the Hilo Benioff Medical Center before being medevacked to Queen’s Medical Center on O‘ahu for further treatment, where he succumbed to his injuries.
McDonald was pronounced deceased on Sept. 26 at 4:30 a.m.
At this time, police believe that speed, alcohol, and/or drugs are factors in the crash. McDonald was not wearing a helmet.
An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
The East Hawai‘i Traffic Enforcement Unit responded to the scene and is continuing the investigation, which has been classified as a coroner’s inquest.
Anyone who witnessed the collision is asked to contact Officer Laurence Davis at 808-961-2339 or via email at Laurence.Davis@hawaiipolice.gov. Anonymous tips can be provided to Crime Stoppers at 808-961-8300.
This is the 25th traffic fatality of 2026, compared to 17 traffic fatalities at this same time last year.
