MEDIA RELEASE

An unidentified man died following a single-vehicle crash Monday night (June 1) in the Puʻuanahulu area of the Kona District.

Responding to a 10:56 p.m. call, police determined that a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck was traveling south on Route 190 near the 16-mile marker when it ran off of the road and overturned, catching fire. After the fire was extinguished, the sole occupant and operator of the vehicle was found dead inside the truck.

Police believe speed and alcohol were factors.

An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death and to determine identification.

Officers from the Traffic Enforcement Unit have initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation and are asking for anyone who may have witnessed the crash to call Officer Christopher Kapua-Allison or Officer Kimo Keliipaakaua at 326-4646, ext. 229.

This is the 11th traffic fatality this year compared with seven at this time last year.