Media Release

A 12-year-old Naalehu boy died Tuesday (November 11) from injuries he sustained in a one-vehicle crash on Kamaoa Road .1 mile south of Holokai Street in the area of the Discovery Harbour subdivision in the Ka‘u District.

The victim was identified as Blaycen Jara of a Naalehu address.

Responding to a 2:14 p.m. call, Ka‘u patrol officers determined that a 17-year-old Naalehu boy was operating a 1994 Honda two-door sedan and traveling north on Kamaoa Road when he lost control, struck a utility pole and overturned.

Fire Rescue personnel took the driver of the vehicle to Kona Community Hospital. 

Another passenger in the vehicle, an 18-year-old Naalehu man, was flown by the Fire Department helicopter to Hilo Medical Center. He was listed in serious condition.

The driver of the vehicle was being confined to the Kona Community Hospital in guarded condition. 

The 12-year-old boy was transported to Kona Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 7:52 p.m.

It is unknown at this time if alcohol was involved in the crash but speed was a factor. 

All three occupants of the vehicle were not wearing their seatbelts.

Traffic Enforcement Unit officers have initiated a negligent homicide and negligent injury investigation and have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

This is the 24th traffic fatality on the Big Island this year compared with 35 at this time last year.