A motorcyclist died Wednesday on the Daniel Inouye Highway after hitting a curb, police said.
He was identified as 44-year-old Tyson Garcia of Puna, and the accident happened in the area of the 31- and 32-mile markers.
Police received a report Wednesday morning of a motorcycle and body found near some pasture land off the highway and learned that a male was riding a 2014 Harley Davidson motorcycle traveling west on the highway.
While negotiating a curve to the left in the roadway, the driver continued straight, crossing into the right shoulder and struck the curb at the edge of the asphalt, landing in the pasture.
Police believe the driver and motorcycle went airborne, landing several yards away.
Garcia, who was not wearing a helmet at the time of the collision, was transported to Hilo Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at 11:36 a.m.
An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
Police said 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.
Police determined that speed and not wearing a helmet were contributing factors in the fatality.
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.
Police are asking for anyone who may have witnessed the crash or who has information to contact Officer Clifford Antonio at (808) 961-2339 or via email Clifford.Antonio@HawaiiCounty.gov. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.
