86-year-old Yvonne Mira, who was injured in a single motor vehicle collision in Hilo last week, has died.

On January 30, police determined that a 2007 Honda Pilot operated by an 84-year-old Ken Rosene, was traveling west on Kaumana Drive when it veered to the right and into a ditch. The vehicle then struck a rock embankment causing the vehicle to completely stop and block the westbound lane.

Mira, who was the front seat passenger, was observed to be unresponsive at the scene. Hawai‘i County Fire Department (HFD) rescue personnel arrived on scene and were able to extricate her from the vehicle and she started to respond physically, but not verbally.  She was transported to the Hilo Benioff Medical Center and subsequently transported to Queen’s Hospital on O’ahu where she died. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

Rosene was also transported to the Hilo Benioff Medical Center where he received treatment for his injury and was eventually discharged.  Upon release, Rosene was arrested for operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant and first-degree negligent injury. After conferral with the Hawai‘i County Prosecutor’s Office, Rosene was released pending investigation. Due to Mira’s death, this investigation has been changed to a negligent homicide investigation.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Officer Laurence Davis at (808) 961-2339 or via email at Laurence.Davis@hawaiicounty.gov