MEDIA RELEASE

An unidentified man died following a single-motorcycle crash Saturday morning (November 7) in the Captain Cook area of the Kona District.

Responding to a 10:47 a.m. call, police determined that a 2003 Honda motorcycle had been traveling south on Māmālahoa Highway (Route 11) just north of the 93-mile marker when the operator failed to negotiate a turn in the roadway, which caused the motorcycle to run off the roadway and down a large embankment. The operator was ejected from the motorcycle and sustained head injuries from the collision.

The unidentified man was taken to Kona Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 4:20 p.m.

Police believe speed and inattention were factors.

An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death and to determine identification.

Officers from the Traffic Enforcement Unit have initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation and are asking for anyone who may have witnessed the crash to call Officer Kimo Keliipaakaua at 326-4646, ext. 229.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona.

This is the 17th traffic fatality this year compared with 11 at this time last year.