A 71-year-old Kealakekua man died early Thursday after he was struck by a vehicle while walking near Hokukano Road. A 71-year-old Kealakekua man died early Thursday after he was struck by a vehicle while walking near Hokukano Road. ADVERTISING Francisco
A 71-year-old Kealakekua man died early Thursday after he was struck by a vehicle while walking near Hokukano Road.
Francisco Asuncion was walking north on the mauka side of Mamalahoa Highway when he was apparently struck by a vehicle traveling in the same direction, according to police. The driver of the vehicle, believed to be a dark Nissan sedan, then fled the scene.
Police are looking for a sedan with damage to the front end, hood and, possibly, windshield, according to police.
Asuncion was transported to Kona Community Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 3:54 a.m., according to police.
Traffic Enforcement Unit officers have initiated negligent homicide and accident involving death or serious bodily injury cases. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
Anyone with information on the crash should call Officer Larry Flowers at 326-4646, ext. 229. Those who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 329-8181 in Kona or 961-8300 in Hilo. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.
This is the ninth traffic fatality on the Big Island this year compared to five at the same time last year.
