A 44-year-old motorcyclist died Wednesday after running off Daniel K. Inouye Highway.
Shortly after 8:30 a.m., police received a report of a motorcycle and body found near some pasture land off the highway and learned that a man had been riding a 2014 Harley Davidson motorcycle traveling west on the highway in the area of mile markers 31 and 32 when he apparently incorrectly negotiated a curve to the left in the roadway. The man apparently continued straight, crossing into the right shoulder and struck the curb at the edge of the asphalt, landing in the pasture.
Police believe that the operator and motorcycle went airborne over a fence, landing several yards away.
The motorcyclist, who was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, was transported to Hilo Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at 11:36 a.m. He was identified Wednesday afternoon as 44-year-old Tyson Garcia of Puna.
An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
At this time, the East Hawaii Traffic Enforcement Unit reports they do not believe that there were any other vehicles involved, however, investigators are not ruling out the possibility and are asking for the public’s assistance in providing any information.
The Traffic Enforcement Unit has determined that speed and not wearing a helmet were contributing factors in the crash. Depending on the result of the autopsy and further testing, police will be able to determine if alcohol and/or drugs are factors, along with an estimated time of death relating to crash.
This is the 22nd fatal traffic collision of 2021 compared to 13 fatal traffic collisions during this same time period last year.
Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or who has information should contact Officer Clifford Antonio at (808) 961-2339 or via email Clifford.Antonio@HawaiiCounty.gov. Those who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.