Hawaii 24/7 Staff

A 23-year-old Hilo man reportedly died early Sunday, Dec. 25 in a single-vehicle crash on Kulana Road, just north of Hawaii Belt Road.

Police reported Marvin Cascayan was driving a 1996 Honda passenger van south on Kulana Road shortly after midnight when the vehicle went off the road and struck a tree.

Emergency crews found the vehicle hanging over an embankment edge. A tow truck retrieved the vehicle and Cascayan was transported to Hilo Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

Police said speeding may have been a factor in the crash. It was not immediately known if drugs or alcohol were involved.

It was the 23rd traffic fatality on the Big Island this year, compared to 27 at the same time last year

UPDATED MEDIA RELEASE FROM POLICE(12/27/11)

A 23-year-old Hilo man died Sunday (December 25) from injuries he sustained in a one-vehicle crash on Kulana Road, .5 miles north of Hawaiʻi Belt Road (Route 11) intersection.

The driver was identified as Marvin Glenn S. Cascayan of a Hilo address.

Responding to a 12:06 a.m. call, South Hilo patrol officers determined that Cascayan was operating a 1996 Honda passenger van and traveling south on Kulana Road when he lost control, ran off the left side of the road and struck a tree.

The vehicle was hanging over the edge of an embankment and had to be pulled up by a tow truck.

Cascayan was not wearing a seat belt.

Fire Rescue personnel took the driver to Hilo Medical Center, where he died at 1:18 a.m.

It is unknown if alcohol or drugs were involved but speed may be a factor 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.

This is the 23rd traffic fatality on the Big Island this year compared with 27 at this time last year.