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Hilo fatality update 02-06-06

HAWAII POLICE DEPARTMENT
TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT UNIT
SERGEANT CHRISTOPHER D. GALI
PHONE: 961-2332
February 6, 2006

MEDIA RELEASE

Police have identified a 30-year-old Hilo man who died Monday (February 6, 2006) from injuries he sustained in a one-vehicle crash on Akaka Falls Road, .6 miles west of Honomu Road in Honomu.

The victim was identified as Jason L. Matuszak of a Hilo address.

Responding to a 9:39 p.m. (February 5, 2006) call, South Hilo patrol officers determined that the victim was operating a 2000 Toyota 4 Runner MPVH and traveling east on Akaka Falls Road when the victim ran off the right side of the road and overturned in a pasture. The driver and two passengers were ejected from the vehicle.

The two passengers in the vehicle, a 32-year-old man and 22-year-old woman both from Hilo were transported to the Hilo Medical Center by Fire Rescue personnel and were listed in satisfactory condition.

The victim was pronounced dead at 12:15 a.m. at the Hilo Medical Center.

Speed and alcohol are factors in this crash and all three occupants were not wearing their seatbelts.

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 5th traffic fatality on the Big Island this year, compared to 6 at the same time last year.

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