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North Kohala fatality 12-13-08 (posted 12-15-08)

Hawaii Police Department
Traffic Enforcement Unit
Christopher D. Gali
Phone: 961-2332
December 13, 2008
Report No. C08037606

Media Release

A 24-year-old North Kohala woman died Saturday (December 13) from injuries she sustained in a one-vehicle crash on Akoni Pule Highway 247 feet south of the 6-mile marker.

Responding to a 3:57 a.m. call, North Kohala patrol officers determined that a 25-year-old North Kohala man was operating a 2006 Lexus four-door sedan and traveling north on Akoni Pule Highway when he lost control, crossed the centerline, ran off the left side of the road and overturned.

The female passenger in the vehicle was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from the car.

Police believe that the crash may have occurred sometime late Friday night (December 12). The driver, who was unconscious after the crash, woke up before 4:00 a.m. and called for help.

Fire/rescue personnel took the victim to Kona Community Hospital, where she was pronounced dead at 9:31 a.m.

Police believe that speed and alcohol were factors in this case.

The name of the victim is being held pending positive identification and notification of the next of kin.

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

Police ask anyone with information about this crash to call Officer Marvin Troutman at 326-4646, extension 229.

This is the 27th traffic fatality on the Big Island this year compared with 35 at this time last year.