MEDIA RELEASE

A 31-year-old Keaʻau man died Friday morning (November 29) in a single utility tractor crash. He was identified as Troy K. Pattioay.

About 11:33 a.m., Pattioay was operating a 1987 Kenworth Utility tractor pulling an unloaded lowboy trailer and traveling west on Daniel K. Inouye Highway, (New Saddle Road), just prior to the 51-mile marker. As the truck was traveling down a steep grade it reportedly lost its brakes, crossed to the unimproved west-bound shoulder and lost control, causing the trailer to break free and the utility tractor to roll over. Pattioay died at the scene. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

His passenger, a 26-year-old Keaʻau man, was pinned in the vehicle and had to be extricated by Fire Department personnel. He was taken to North Hawaiʻi community Hospital in stable condition and then transferred to The Queens Medical Center on Oahu.

The highway was closed to all traffic at 11:35 a.m. and reopened at 5:15 p.m.

Police do not believe alcohol or speed were factors in the collision.

Police ask anyone who witnessed the crash to call Officer Larry Flowers Jr. at 326-4646, extension 229.

This is the 25th fatality this year compared with 36 at this time last year.