Honokaa motorcyclist killed in Hilo accident 08-09-02

HAWAII COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT
TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT UNIT
SERGEANT SAMUEL V. JELSMA
PHONE: 961-2332
AUGUST 9, 2002
H-17216

MEDIA RELEASE

A 22-year-old Hamakua man died Friday (August 9, 2002) at Queen’s Medical Center on Oahu from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident the night before in Hilo.

The victim was identified as Shawn Walker, of a Honokaa address.

Responding to a 9:34 p.m. call Thursday, police determined that the victim was riding his 1998 Yamaha motorcycle east toward Keaukaha on Kamehameha Avenue when he lost control of his bike, laying it down on the pavement and sliding off the right shoulder into a street lamp pole. Witnesses reported that the motorcyclist had pulled out of Bayfront Chevron service station at a high rate of speed and that he was seen pulling “wheelies” with the motorcycle shortly before he crashed.

The victim was transported to the Hilo Medical Center and then flown in critical condition to Queen’s, where he was pronounced dead at 8 a.m. Friday.

Traffic Enforcement Unit officers are continuing an investigation into the accident and have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. It was determined that the victim had been wearing a helmet.

Walker’s death was the 17th traffic-related fatality on the Big Island so far this year, compared to 19 at the same time last year.

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