On Saturday, November 13, a 22-year-old Captain Cook man, positively identified as Kevin Kanoa’imipono Gladden, died following a two-vehicle collision on  on Highway 11, north of the intersection of Mamalahoa Highway and Napo‘opo‘o Road.

Police determined that Gladden was heading south operating a blue 2017 Toyota Tacoma pick-up truck when it crossed the double solid yellow lines and struck a white 2016 Ford F-250 waste management pickup truck head on. Gladden was transported to the Kona Community Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The driver of the Ford pick-up truck, a 44-year-old Waikoloa man, and his 36-year-old female passenger from Kailua-Kona, were taken to Kona Community Hospital where they were treated and later released.

Police believe that speed and impairment are possible factors in the collision.  An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

The Area II Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a negligent homicide investigation and is asking for anyone who may have witnessed the collision to contact Officer Jason Foxworthy at (808) 326-4646 ext. 229, or email atJason.foxworthy@hawaiicounty.gov.