Hawai‘i Island police are investigating a fatal traffic collision involving a single vehicle that occurred on Saturday September 4, 2021 in Pahoa.

Police responded to a traffic collision and determined that a 2000 Toyota Tacoma traveling north on Highway 130 had lost control and slid off the right shoulder of the roadway, causing the vehicle to roll. The male operator and sole occupant of the truck was ejected and located unresponsive under the vehicle.
He was later transported to Hilo Medical Center and was pronounced dead at 12:25 a.m. on Sunday, September 5, 2021.  An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

The driver’s identity is being withheld pending positive identification and notification of next of kin.

Police investigating the traffic collision have determined speed and the operator not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision are major factors in this investigation. At this time, police have not determined if alcohol and/or drugs are factors in this investigation.

The East Hawaiʻi Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation, which is pending. Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the accident to contact Officer Jared Cabatu at (808) 961-2339 or via email at Jared.Cabatu@HawaiiCounty.gov.