MEDIA RELEASE

A man and a woman were killed Tuesday, May 28 from injuries they received in a one-vehicle crash on Queen Kaahumanu Highway at the 79-mile-marker in North Kona.

The driver was identified as Michelle K. Deluz, 24, of a Waikoloa address.

The passenger was identified as Gary J. Fergerstrom, 24, of a Kailua-Kona address.

Responding to a 2:49 p.m. call, Kona patrol officers determined the 24-year-old woman from Waikoloa was traveling south on Queen Kaahumanu Highway and operating a 2007 Honda two door-sedan when she lost control, crossed the centerline and ran off the left side of the road, where the vehicle rolled into a lava field.

The driver and the passenger were not wearing their seat belts and both were ejected from the vehicle.

The man was flown by the Fire Department helicopter to North Hawaii Community Hospital, where he died at 3:34 p.m.

The driver was dead at the scene.

It is unknown at this time if alcohol or drugs were involved but speed was a factor in this crash.

Traffic Enforcement Unit officers have initiated a negligent homicide and coroner’s inquest case.

Anyone with information is asked to call Officer Thomas Koyanagi at 326-4646, extension 229.

These are the 14th and 15th traffic fatalities on the Big Island this year compared with 14 at this time last year.