The East Hawai’i Traffic Enforcement Unit identified the victim of last weekend’s fatal single-vehicle traffic collision as 41-year old John Crouse of Hilo.

Hawai’i Island Police determined that Crouse and a female passenger were riding in a 2005 Nissan Frontier traveling south on Highway 137 in Påhoa when it veered off into the right shoulder and struck an embankment that sent the vehicle airborne, and striking a nearby tree.

Speed and inattention are the two primary factors in the outcome of this collision. Further investigation will be conducted relative to any additional contributing factors. The East Hawai’i Traffic Enforcement Unit continues their investigation as a Coroner’s Inquest, which remains pending. Officer Clifford Antonio is the lead investigator and can be contacted at (808) 961-2339 or via email at clifford.antonio@hawaiicounty.gov.