HAWAII COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT
TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT UNIT
SERGEANT LEROY VICTORINO
PHONE: 961-2332
MAY 22, 2003
H-49935
MEDIA RELEASE
A 60-year-old Puna man died after his motorcycle was struck from behind by a car late Wednesday (May 21, 2003) on Volcano Highway (Route 11) just south of Ikaika Street in Hilo.
The victim was identified as Pedro Pacheco, of Pepeekeo, Puna.
Responding to an 11:15 p.m. call, South Hilo Patrol officers determined that the motorcycle, traveling in the Hilo direction, was rear-ended by a 2002 Nissan Sentra, throwing the rider from the motorcycle. Another vehicle, a 2000 Toyota Corolla, traveling in the same direction struck the victim after he had been thrown from the motorcycle.
The victim was taken to the Hilo Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 1:15 a.m.
No other persons were injured in the accident.
Traffic Enforcement Unit officers are continuing an investigation into the collision and have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
Pacheco’s death was the 12th traffic fatality recorded so far this year on the Big Island.
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