Victim Identified in Friday’s Fatal Crash in Hilo
Police have identified a 23-year-old Hilo man who died Friday in a one-car crash as Joseph Nieves Jr.
Police said Nieves’ 2006 Acura sedan was traveling toward downtown Hilo on Kalanianaole Avenue when it crossed the center line near Kioea Street, went off the roadway and struck a utility pole and rock wall.
Nieves died at the scene. An 18-year-old male passenger, also a Hilo resident, was taken initially to Hilo Medical Center and later to Honolulu for treatment of injuries.
Police said both speed and alcohol were believed to be factors in the crash reported at 11:06 p.m.
Anyone with information on the crash is asked to contact Officer Tuckloy Aurello at 961-8119 or turellos@co.hawaii.hi.us.
This was the 18th traffic fatality on public Big Island roadways this year compared to 14 at this time in 2012.