MEDIA RELEASE

A 93-year-old Hilo woman died Tuesday (March 8) from injuries she sustained in a one-vehicle crash on Kaiwiki Road on Monday (March 7)

The woman, who was a passenger in the vehicle, was identified as Feliza Padilla of a Hilo address.

Responding to a 1:18 p.m. call, South Hilo patrol officers determined that a 68-year-old woman from Michigan was operating a 1990 Oldsmobile four-door sedan traveling west on the 800 block of Kaiwiki Road when she ran off the right side of the road and struck a utility pole.

Fire/rescue personnel took the driver, her 71-year-old husband and Padilla to Hilo Medical Center.

The driver and Padilla were later flown in critical condition to The Queen’s Medical Center, where Padilla died at 6:27 p.m. Tuesday (March 8).

It is unknown at this time if speed was a factor or if seat belts were used.

Police do not suspect alcohol or drug use in this case.

Traffic Enforcement Unit officers have initiated a negligent homicide investigation and have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

Police ask anyone with information about this crash to call Officer Clarence Acob at 961-2293.