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Hamakua fatality 06-16-07 (posted 06-18-07)

HAWAII POLICE DEPARTMENT
TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT UNIT
SERGEANT CHRISTOPHER D. GALI
PHONE: 961-2332
JUNE 16, 2007
REPORT NO. C07019300

MEDIA RELEASE

A 70-year-old Ahualoa man died Saturday (June 16) after being involved in a one-vehicle crash on the Old Mamalahoa Highway and Kapuna Road in the Hamakua District.

The driver was identified as Louis D. Vierra, of Ahualoa.

Responding to a 9:04 a.m. call, Hamakua patrol officers determined that the victim was operating a 1984 Toyota pick-up truck and traveling north on the Old Mamalahoa Highway when the vehicle ran off the right side of the road and struck an embankment. The truck then came back onto the road, crossed the centerline and struck a utility pole on the left side of the road.

Fire Rescue personnel transported the victim to North Hawaii Community Hospital, where he died at 9:57 a.m.

Police believe that speed and alcohol were not factors in this crash. It is unknown at this time if the driver was wearing his seatbelt.

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

Traffic investigators believe that the victim may have suffered from a medical condition prior to the crash and will await autopsy results before adding this death to the official traffic fatality count.

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