A 30-year-old Waikoloa man died following a single-vehicle collision on Highway 11 near the 81.2 mile marker in Kaʻū.

On August 13, responding police determined that a black 2008 Mercedes Benz 280 convertible was heading north on Highway 11 at high speed when it lost control and drove off the roadway striking the rockwall sign fronting Manuka State Recreational Park. The driver was then ejected from the vehicle. He was transported to Kona Community Hospital and was pronounced dead yesterday.

A 25-year-old Kailua-Kona man who was a passenger in the vehicle was also taken to the Kona Community Hospital for treatment.

Police believe that speed and impairment are factors in the crash. The driver, who has not been positively identified, was not wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash.

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

The Area II Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation and is asking anyone who may have witnessed the collision to contact Officer Adam Roberg at (808) 326-4646, ext. 229, or via email at adam.roberg@hawaiicounty.gov.