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Hilo fatality 02-04-07

HAWAII POLICE DEPARTMENT
TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT UNIT
SERGEANT CHRISTOPHER D. GALI
PHONE: 961-2332
FEBRUARY 4, 2007

MEDIA RELEASE

A 29-year-old Pahoa man died Friday (February 2) from injuries he sustained in a one-car crash on Railroad Avenue .1 mile south of East Lanikaula Street.

The victim was identified as Tobias Manfield of Pahoa.

Responding to a 4:48 p.m. call, South Hilo patrol officers determined that the victim was operating a 1996 Acura two-door sedan and traveling south on Railroad Avenue when he lost control, ran off the right side of the road, struck a fence and landed in the HELCO baseyard near the power plant. The driver, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected from the vehicle.

The victim was taken to Hilo Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 12:05 a.m. Saturday.

Police believe speed played a factor in the crash. It is unknown at this time if alcohol was involved.

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 fifth traffic fatality on the Big Island this year compared with four at this time last year.

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