Motorcyclist killed in Hilo traffic collision 03-13-02

HAWAII COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT
TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT UNIT
SERGEANT SAMUEL V. JELSMA
PHONE: 961-2332
MARCH 13, 2002
H-00593

MEDIA RELEASE

A 29-year-old Hilo man died Wednesday (March 13, 2002) after his motorcycle collided with a pickup truck at the intersection of Waianuenue Avenue and Ululani Street in Hilo.

The victim was identified as John Lapinid, of a Terrace Drive address in Hilo.

Responding to a 6:44 p.m. call, police determined that the victim was riding a 1996 Kawasaki motorcycle up Waianuenue Avenue when it collided with a 2000 Ford pickup truck being driven down the street by William Benevides Sr., 77, of an Ainaola Drive address in Hilo.

Lapinid’s motorcycle collided with the front fender and windshield of the truck, throwing the victim onto the roadway. The motorcycle then caught fire and was completely destroyed by the flames.

Lapinid was taken to the Hilo Medical Center, where he later died of his injuries. He was pronounced dead at 7:15 p.m.

It could not be immediately determined whether the victim was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.

Traffic Enforcement Unit officers have initiated a standard negligent homicide case and ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

Lapinid’s death was the ninth traffic accident on the Big Island so far this year, compared to two at the same time last year.

# # #


This entry was posted in Media Releases. Bookmark the permalink. Both comments and trackbacks are currently closed.
  • Keep your community safe through Crime Stoppers

    Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the island-wide Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.00. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers does not record calls or subscribe to any Caller ID service. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.

    The Crime Stoppers TV Program is available on-demand from Nā Leo TV.