HAWAII POLICE DEPARTMENT
TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT UNIT
SERGEANT CHRISTOPHER D. GALI
PHONE: 961-2332
NOVEMBER 16, 2005
C05039063

MEDIA RELEASE

A 64-year-old Honokaa man died Wednesday (November 16, 2005) from injuries he sustained in an All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) accident at his residence on Pikake Street in Honokaa.

The victim was identified as Ralph P. Schipa, Jr., of Honokaa.

Responding to a 3:08 p.m. call, Hamakua patrol officers determined that the victim was riding his Yamaha Grizzly ATV up his gravel driveway when he ran off the right side and hit a tree stump.

The victim was transported to the North Hawaii Community Hospital by Fire Rescue personnel where he was pronounced dead at 4:30 p.m.

It is unknown at this time if speed or alcohol were involved.

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

Being that this fatality occurred on private property, it is not counted towards the island’s traffic fatality count.

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