One Dead After Single-Vehicle Crash in Kaʻū

A Nāʻālehu man is dead after a single-vehicle crash in Kaʻū Friday, Sept. 24.

Hawaiʻi Police Department responded to the incident at approximately 4:25 p.m.. at Ka‘alaiki Road near the Makino Junction in Nāʻālehu. The road was closed for several hours as authorities investigated the scene.

Through the course of their investigation, police determined that a camouflage 2021 Polaris Ranger XP1000 utility vehicle heading east was making a right turn when it lost control and rolled over on the driver’s side of the UTV.

The driver, identified as 59-year-old Derrick Lee Huddy, was transported to Kona Community Hospital where he was later pronounced dead at 11 p.m. The 54-year-old male passenger from Keaʻau was taken to Kaʻū Hospital. He was treated and later released.

Both men were not wearing their seatbelts at the time of 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 Jason Foxworthy at 808-326-4646 ext. 229 or email at Jason.foxworthy@hawaiicounty.gov. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 808-961-8300.

This is the 17th traffic fatality this year compared to 13 at this time last year.