Man killed in Kona traffic crash

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A 59-year-old Kailua-Kona man died from injuries he sustained in a crash between a truck and motorized cycle Feb. 2 in Kaupulehu, North Kona, near the 27-mile marker of Mamalahoa Highway (Route 190).

A 59-year-old Kailua-Kona man died from injuries he sustained in a crash between a truck and motorized cycle Feb. 2 in Kaupulehu, North Kona, near the 27-mile marker of Mamalahoa Highway (Route 190).

He has been identified as Robert Abeyta.

Officers responding to a 3:13 p.m. call determined that Abeyta was northbound on Route 190 on a motorized cycle when he swerved left into the northbound lane of the highway and was struck by a 2009 GMC pickup truck operated by a 35-year-old Waimea man also traveling north.

Abeyta was taken to Kona Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 5:40 p.m.

A coroner’s inquest was opened and an autopsy ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

This is the fourth traffic official fatality this year compared to none at this time last year. Two others also died on Hawaii roads that aren’t officially counted, one because the collision occurred in Hawaii Volcano National Park, the other, because the crash occurred on a private road.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who has information about the crash to is asked call Officer Kimo Keliipaakaua at 326-4646, ext. 229 or Crime Stoppers at 961-8300.