KAILUA-KONA — Hawaii Island police on Friday identified the 30-year-old Keaau man killed in a single-car crash earlier this week on Highway south of Hookena.
The victim was identified as Jason Andrew Becerril, according to the Hawaii Police Department.
Responding to a 10:55 p.m. Tuesday call, police determined that Becerril was operating a northbound white 1993 Nissan pickup truck on the highway when he apparently crossed the centerline near a turn and drove off an embankment on the makai side of the highway, police said. The crash occurred about 0.3 miles south of mile marker 99.
Becerril was transported to the Kona Community Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 2:58 a.m. Wednesday.
Police say speed is a possible factor in the crash. The driver was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. An autopsy was 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 crash to contact Officer Kimo Keliipaakaua at (808) 326-4646, ext. 229.
This was the second traffic fatality on Hawaii Island’s public roads this year compared to zero at this time last year.