A 41-year-old Kamuela man died Friday (June 13) from injuries he sustained in a one-vehicle crash on Route 190 between the 18- and 19- mile markers in the Puuanahulu area of North Kona.

The victim was identified as Chenault D. Bethea of a Kamuela address.

Responding to a 12:16 a.m. call, Kona patrol officers determined that the victim was operating a 1999 Lexus SUV and traveling north on Route 190, when he lost control, ran off the road and overturned. The driver was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from the vehicle.

He was later transported to Kona Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Police believe that speed and alcohol were contributing factors in the crash.

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

This is the 12^th traffic fatality on the Big Island this year compared with 16 at this time last year.