Hawaiʻi Island police identify 65-year-old who died from injuries in North Kona crash

A 65-year-old man who died following a single-vehicle collision on March 7, near the intersection of Hinalani Street and Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway in North Kona, has been positively identified as Kevin Patrick McHugh of Kailua-Kona.

A white 2021 Kia Forte was heading west (makai) on Hinalani Street when it struck a utility pole near the merge lane on the Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway, according to police who responded at 10:19 p.m.

The driver showed no indication of injuries after the collision and was released from the scene following the incident. The next day, McHugh was found unresponsive and was transported to the Kona Community Hospital where he was later pronounced dead at 2:40 p.m.   

An autopsy determined that the cause of death was due to the traffic collision the night prior to the man’s 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 Adam Roberg at 808-326-4646, ext. 229, or email at adam.roberg@hawaiicounty.gov. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 808-961-8300. 

This is the seventh traffic fatality this year compared to 12 at this time last year.