Motorcyclist killed in Laupahoehoe Gulch accident 03-09-02

HAWAII COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT
TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT UNIT
SERGEANT SAMUEL V. JELSMA
PHONE: 961-2332
MARCH 9, 2002
G-99986

MEDIA RELEASE

A 50-year-old Hilo man died Saturday afternoon (March 9, 2002) after he lost control of his motorcycle and collided with a guardrail in the Laupahoehoe Gulch in North Hilo.

The victim was identified as Randolph David Shin Sr., of a Kawiki Road address.

Responding to a 3:30 p.m. call, police determined that the victim was riding a 1997 Harley Davidson motorcycle south toward Hilo on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) and was nearing the bottom of the gulch when he lost control of the motorcycle, which fell over and started sliding off the right shoulder of the roadway, carrying the rider with it, until both hit the guardrail.

The victim was taken to the Hilo Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 6:40 p.m.

The victim had been riding with other motorcyclists from the Big Island Riders club. Weather conditions were clear and dry at the time the accident occurred.

The victim, who had not been wearing a helmet, suffered injuries to his leg and torso. An investigation has indicated that alcohol may have been a contributing factor in the accident.

Traffic Enforcement Unit officers are continuing an investigation, and have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

Shin’s death was the eighth traffic fatality so far this year on the Big Island, compared to one at the same time last year.

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