Police are investigating a public accident in Hilo on Friday (September 18) that resulted in the death of a 29-year-old Hilo man.

At 6:24 p.m., South Hilo Patrol officers responded to a call of an accident involving a motorcycle on the 200 block of Kawili Street. 

Responding officers discovered a man lying on the roadway with external injuries from being ejected from what was actually a moped. Officers determined that the moped operator was traveling south on Kawili Street when he lost control, ran off the roadway, and struck a concrete driveway ramp.

Fire Department rescue personnel took him to Hilo Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 7:34 p.m. The victim was positively identified as Jason Garcia of Hilo.

Police believe that alcohol may have been a factor in this incident.

An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

Police have classified the incident as a public accident because, under state law, a moped is not considered a "vehicle" but comes under the classification of a bicycle.

Police ask that anyone who may have witnessed the incident call Officer Fetuutuunai Amuimuia at 961-2211. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous are asked to call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.

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