Media Release

A 47-year-old Puna man died Monday (August 6) from injuries he sustained in a one-vehicle traffic crash at the south end of Railroad Avenue in Hilo.

The driver was identified as Kevin E. Bell of Mt. View.

Responding to a 7:07 a.m. call, South Hilo patrol and Traffic Enforcement Unit officers determined that the driver was traveling south on Railroad Avenue in a 1988 Toyota 4-door sedan when he came to the dead end and crashed into a rock embankment.

The driver and a 40-year-old female passenger were transported to Hilo Medical Center.  The driver was pronounced dead at 11:33 a.m.  The passenger was listed in serious condition.

Police suspect that speed and alcohol were factors this crash. The driver was not wearing a seat belt while the passenger was wearing hers.

Traffic Enforcement Unit officers have initiated a coroner's inquest case and have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. 

This is the 22^nd traffic fatality on the Big Island this year compared with 20 at this time last year.