UPDATE FROM POLICE (5/5/09)

An autopsy conducted Tuesday (May 5) has determined that 70-year-old Peter Gusman of Kamuela died from a heart attack not from a traffic crash.

Gusman was involved in a one-vehicle crash on Kawaihae Road (Route 19) Saturday in the area of the 58-mile marker. His 1998 Ford F-150 pick-up truck was traveling west on Kawaihae Road when it ran off the right side of the road around 1:25 p.m.

MEDIA RELEASE (5/4/09)

A 70-year-old Kamuela man died Saturday (May 2) after being involved in a one-vehicle crash on Kawaihae Road (Route 19) in the area of the 58-mile marker.

The victim was identified as Peter Gusman of a Kamuela address.

Responding to a 1:25 p.m. call, South Kohala patrol officers determined that the victim was operating a 1998 Ford F-150 pick-up truck and traveling west on Kawaihae Road when he ran off the right side of the road.

The victim was wearing a seat belt. Fire rescue personnel transported him to North Hawaii Community Hospital, where he died at 2:06 p.m.

Police do not believe that speed, alcohol or drugs were involved in this crash.

Police believe that the victim may have suffered from a medical condition prior to the crash.

Traffic Enforcement Unit officers have initiated a coroner’s inquest case and have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

Police are going to wait for autopsy results before classifying this case as a traffic fatality.