A 17-year-old girl died following a single-vehicle crash on Friday makai (west) of mile marker 44 on Old Saddle Road in South Kohala.
The victim was positively identified as Tobey Grace Crowe of Kailua-Kona
Responding to a 11:48 a.m. call, police determined that a white 2016 Toyota 4Runner SUV driven by Crowe was heading east, (mauka), when it failed to negotiate a right-hand turn and ran off the roadway, according to police. The Toyota 4Runner then struck a dirt embankment and rolled over several times, ejecting Crowe.
Crowe was transported to the Queen’s North Hawaii Community Hospital where she was pronounced dead at 12:51 p.m.
Two 17-year-old female passengers from Waikoloa within the vehicle were also injured. Both were also taken to the Queen’s North Hawaii Community hospital for treatment where they are both listed in stable condition.
Police believe that speed is a factor in the crash. Crowe was not wearing her seatbelt.
An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
At the time of the crash, traffic was being detoured on Old Saddle Road, which narrow two-lane road with single-lane bridges, due to the closure of Daniel K. Inouye Highway while firefighters battled a wildland fire.
Anyone who may have witnessed the crash should contact Officer Len Hamakado at (808) 326-4646, ext. 229, or email at len.hamakado@hawaiicounty.gov. Those who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.
This is the 23rd traffic fatality this year compared to 13 at this time last year.