MEDIA RELEASE

A 22-year-old Pāhoa woman died Saturday (April 9) from injuries she sustained in a one vehicle crash on Nānāwale Boulevard just west of Donneybrook Lane.

Responding to a 8:22 p.m. call, Puna patrol officers determined that a 2001 Honda four-door sedan was traveling west on Nānāwale Boulevard when the vehicle lost control, ran off the right side of the road and struck some tree’s and two utility poles.

The female, who was in the back seat was ejected from the vehicle and died at the scene.

A 24-year-old Pāhoa man who was a front seat passenger in the vehicle was transported to the Hilo Medical Center by Fire Rescue personnel where he was treated and released.

The driver and another male party fled from the scene.

Police believe that speed and alcohol were factors in this crash.

The woman was transported to the Hilo Medical Center where she was pronounced dead at 2:39 a.m. (April 10).

Traffic Enforcement Unit officers have initiated a negligent homicide investigation.

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

The name of the woman is being held pending notification of the next of kin and positive identification.

Police are looking for a male party for questioning in this case identified as a Gary A. Simpkins, 22-years-old of Pāhoa. He is described as a Black male, 5’6” tall, 180 pounds, black hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information regarding this case or know the whereabouts of Simpkins are asked to call Officer Clarence Acob at 961-2293 or the police non-emergency number at 935-3311.

This is the 7th traffic fatality on the Big Island this year compared to seven at the same time last year.

UPDATE: Police ID woman killed in Nanawale crash and arrest driver