KAILUA-KONA — A 24-year-old Ocean View man died following a single-vehicle crash Sunday morning in Ka‘u.
Hawaii Police identified the man on Monday as Derick Tokjen.
Responding to a 7:09 a.m. call, police determined that a gray 2005 Honda sedan being operated by Tokjen had been traveling north on Highway 11 near mile marker 82 when the vehicle veered off of the right side of the roadway and overturned down an embankment, police said. The vehicle ended up overturned about 20 yards off the highway.
Tokjen was transported to the Kona Community Hospital where he was officially pronounced dead.
Police believe inattention was a factor in this crash, but it is not immediately known if alcohol and drugs were a factor.
An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
The Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation and is asking for anyone who may have witnessed the accident to contact Officer Justin Hooser at 326-4646, ext. 229.
This is the 21st traffic fatality this year compared with 24 at this time last year.