MEDIA RELEASE

A 30-year-old Keaʻau man died following a single vehicle collision on Tuesday, (January 15), in Captain Cook on Highway 11, .3 miles south of the 99-mile marker.

The 30-year-old male has not positively identified.

Responding to an 11:55 p.m. call, police determined that a white 1993 Nissan pickup truck heading north had crossed double solid yellow lines near a turn and drove off an embankment on the Makai side of the roadway. The man was transported to the Kona Community Hospital where he was later pronounced dead at 2:58 a.m.

Police believe speed is a possible factor in the crash. The 30-year-old male was wearing a seatbelt.

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

The Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a Coroner’s Inquest investigation and is asking for anyone who may have witnessed the accident to contact Officer Kimo Keliipaakaua at (808) 326-4646 ext. 229.

This is the 2nd traffic fatality this year compared to 0 at this time last year.