HAWAII COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT
TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT UNIT
SERGEANT CHRISTOPHER D. GALI
PHONE: 961-2332
FEBRUARY 4, 2005
CO5003242/PN
CORONER’S INQUEST

MEDIA RELEASE

A 32-year-old man died Friday (February 4, 2005) after being involved in a one-car crash on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 11) about three-tenths of a mile north of Kipimana Street at Shipman Industrial Park.

The driver was identified as Shane A. Beauchan, of a Hilo address.

Responding to a 1:37 a.m. call, Puna patrol officers determined that Beauchan was driving a 1991 Nissan two-door sedan south on the highway when he lost control of the vehicle, which struck the left side embankment. The driver, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected from the vehicle.

The victim was taken to the Hilo Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 4 a.m.

Speed and alcohol are believed to be factors in this crash.

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

Friday’s death was the sixth traffic fatality on the Big Island this year, compared to one at the same time last year.

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