Feliza Padilla, 93, of Hilo died Tuesday from injuries she sustained in a one-vehicle crash Monday afternoon in Hilo.
She was a passenger in a 1990 Oldsmobile four-door sedan that was traveling west on the 800 block of Kaiwiki Road when a 68-year-old driver from Michigan ran off the right side of the road and struck a utility pole.
Fire and 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.
It is unknown at this time whether speed was a factor or whether they were wearing seat belts. 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 the crash to call Officer Clarence Acob at 961-2293.