MEDIA RELEASE

A 30-year-old Hilo man died Sunday (May 25) from injuries he sustained in a one-vehicle crash on the Puainako Street extension between the 4- and 5 mile-markers.

The driver was identified as Palani B. Cobb-Adams of Hilo.

Responding to a 4:21 a.m. call, South Hilo patrol officers determined that the man was operating a 1994 Toyota pickup truck and traveling west on the Puainako Street extension when he crossed the centerline and collided with a street sign and embankment.

Fire Rescue personnel took him to Hilo Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 5:21 a.m.

Police believe that alcohol may have been 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.

Police ask anyone with information about this crash to call Officer Casey Cabral at 961-8889.

This is the 7th traffic fatality on the Big Island this year compared with 13 at this time last year.