Hawai‘i Island police are investigating a recent vehicle and pedestrian collision that left a man dead. 

On Sunday, May 13, responding Puna patrol officers located 34-year-old Patrick Murphy of Mountain View as he was performing CPR on an unresponsive male pedestrian near Glenwood Park close to Highway 11.

The pedestrian, who remains unidentified at this time, was transported to Hilo Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

Police investigators determined that Murphy was traveling north on Highway 11 in a 2003 Toyota Tacoma when he struck the pedestrian, who was in the northbound shoulder lane. Initially, he thought he struck a pig and continued north on Highway 11 to the area of Lehuanani, in Mountain View.

Murphy then proceeded to an acquittance’s residence prior to returning to the scene to identify what he struck. Upon realizing he had struck a man, Murphy contacted 911 via phone and started CPR prior to the arrival of emergency services personnel.

As a result of the investigation by the East Hawaii Traffic Enforcement Unit, Murphy was arrested for the following:

• First-degree negligent homicide
• Operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant
• Accidents involving death or serious bodily injury
• Duty to give information or render aid

The East Hawaii Traffic Enforcement Unit is continuing their investigation into this traffic collision. Police ask that anyone who may have witnessed the collision or who has information about it, to contact Officer Jerome Duarte at (808) 961-2339, or via email at Jerome.Duarte@HawaiiCounty.gov.