A 73-year-old Hilo man died Wednesday following a two-car crash at the intersection of Komohana and Kukuau streets in Hilo.
Police responding to the 4:52 a.m. traffic collision determined that a 1983 Jeep Wrangler soft top with removable doors was traveling east on Kukuau Street when it failed to stop at a stop sign and was struck broadside by a 2004 Dodge Ram truck that was traveling south on Komohana Street, according to the Hawaii Police Department.
The driver of the Jeep Wrangler was found unresponsive at the scene and later transported to Hilo Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at 6:51 a.m. He has been identified as Soo Lee, 73. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
Lee’s passenger, a 29-year-old man from Hilo, was transported to Hilo Medical Center with non-lifethreatening injuries and was listed in stable condition as of press-time.
The driver of the Dodge Ram truck, a 34-year-old man from Hilo, was not injured. His passenger, a 75-year-old man from Hilo, was transported to Hilo Medical Center for treatment and was later released.
Police determined inattention to driving to be a factor in the collision and do not believe that alcohol or drugs were involved.
Lee is the 14th person killed on Hawaii Island’s public roadways this year. At this time in 2019, 18 people had perished in crashes.
A coroner’s inquest investigation has been initiated. Anyone who may have witnessed or has information about the crash should contact Officer Jared Cabatu at (808) 961-2329 or via email to Jared.Cabatu@hawaiicounty.gov.