MEDIA RELEASE
A 62-year-old Colorado man died Thursday, Jan. 14 from injuries he sustained in a single motorcycle crash on Akaka Falls Road in the area of the 1 mile-marker.
The victim was identified as Herman A. Dietrich, of Denver, Colo.
Responding to a 2:17 p.m. call, South Hilo patrol officers determined the victim was operating a 2009 Harley Davidson motorcycle and traveling east on Akaka Falls Road when he lost control and ran off the right side of the road.
The victim’s 63-year-old wife, who was a passenger on the motorcycle, was transported by Fire Rescue personnel to Hilo Medical Center in critical condition. She was going to be flown to The Queen’s Medical Center on Oahu.
The victim was pronounced dead at 4:40 p.m. at Hilo Medical Center.
The victim and his wife were wearing motorcycle helmets.
It is unknown at this time if speed, alcohol or drugs were involved.
Traffic Enforcement Unit officers have initiated a coroner’s inquest case and have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
This is the 4th traffic fatality on the Big Island this year compared to one at the same time last year.
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