Police have identified the driver killed in a single-vehicle traffic collision Feb. 5 on Highway 19 in Papaaloa as 69-year-old Dean Cowell of Carson, New Mexico.
Although an autopsy has been conducted, the autopsy report has not been completed nor exact cause of death determined at this time, police said.
Officers investigating the traffic collision determined Cowell was driving a 2020 Ford Edge north on Highway 19 near the 18-mile marker, when he appeared to have veered into the right shoulder while approaching a bridge. The car then proceeded off a cliff and struck the bridge’s support column before coming to a rest in the ravine below.
At the time of the collision, the roadways did not appear to be wet, however it had been overcast in the area, police said.
At this time, the collision is still being investigated as a coroner’s inquest. Potential witnesses or anyone with has information is asked contact Officer Blayne Matsui at 961-2339 or via Blayne.Matsui@HawaiiCounty.gov.
Those who prefer anonymity may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300.