On Monday, November 15, a 57-year-old Captain Cook man, positively identified as William Joseph Rowan, died following a single vehicle collision  on Mamalahoa Highway, .2 miles south of the 108 mile marker in South Kona.

Police determined that Rowan was operating a gold 1988 Jeep Cherokee heading south when he ran off of the roadway and lost control. He then made a sharp left turn back onto the highway, rolling over several times, which resulted in him being ejected from the vehicle. Rowan was transported to the Kona Community Hospital where he was later pronounced dead

He was not wearing his seatbelt and police believe that speed and impairment are possible factors in 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 for anyone who may have witnessed the collision to contact Officer Jason Foxworthy at (808) 326-4646 Ext. 229 or email at Jason.foxworthy@hawaiicounty.gov.