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Puna fatality 05-13-09

Hawai’i Police Department
Traffic Enforcement Unit
Sergeant Christopher Gali
Phone: 961-2332
May 13, 2009
Report No. C09014183

Media Release

A 26-year-old Kurtistown man died Wednesday (May 13) from injuries he sustained in a one-vehicle crash on Road 8 between roads E and F in the Hawaiian Acres subdivision in Kurtistown.

The victim was identified as Christopher S. Bortz of a Kurtistown address.

Responding to a 5:26 a.m. call, Puna patrol officers determined that the victim was operating a 2002 Toyota pick-up truck and was traveling north on Road 8 when he crossed the centerline and ran off the left side of the road and overturned.

The victim was not wearing a seatbelt and had to be extricated by Fire Department personnel.

The victim was transported to the Hilo Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at 8:38 a.m.

It is unknown at this time if speed, alcohol or drugs were involved in this crash.

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

Anyone with information regarding this crash is asked to call Officer Andres Fojas at 961-8889.

This is the 7th traffic fatality on the Big Island this year compared to eleven at the same time last year.