Hawai‘i Island police are investigating a fatal single-vehicle collision on Highway 137 near the 13mile-marker in Pāhoa. 

On Sunday, February 26, Puna patrol officers determined that a 2005 Nissan Frontier pickup truck was traveling south on Highway 137, in Pāhoa, when it veered off into the right shoulder and struck an embankment, sending the vehicle airborne. The vehicle then struck a nearby tree before coming to a rest.

The 41-year-old male driver, whose identity is being withheld at this time pending positive identification and notification of family, was unresponsive at the scene and transported to Hilo Medical Center where he was pronounced dead, An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

The passenger, a 44-year-old woman from Pahoa, sustained minor injuries as a result of the collision and was transported to Hilo Medical Center for further treatment.

At this time, police believe that speed and inattention are contributing factors to this collision.

The East Hawaii Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a coroner’s inquest and is continuing their investigation into this traffic collision. Police are asking anyone who may have information regarding the accident to contact Officer Clifford Antonio at (808) 961-2339 or via email at Clifford.Antonio@HawaiiCounty.gov.