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Police say a 41-year-old Pahoa man was killed in a single-vehicle traffic crash Sunday night in lower Puna.

Officers responded at 7:37 p.m. to the report of a crash near the 13-mile marker of Highway 137.

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Police determined that the man — whose identity hasn’t been released pending notification of family — was driving a southbound 2005 Nissan Frontier pickup truck when it veered off onto the right shoulder and struck an embankment, sending the truck airborne. The vehicle then struck a nearby tree before coming to rest.

The driver was unresponsive at the scene. He was taken to tHilo Medical Center where he was later pronounced dead at 11:58 p.m. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

A 44-year-old Pahoa woman was a passenger in the truck. She sustained minor injuries and was taken to Hilo Medical Center for treatment.

At this time, police believe speed and inattention are contributing factors to this collision.

This is the fifth fatal traffic collision of 2023 compared to eight fatal traffic collisions at the same time last year.

A coroner’s inquest has been initiated and police are investigating the collision. Potential witnesses are asked to contact Officer Clifford Antonio at (808) 961-2339 or Clifford.Antonio@HawaiiCounty.gov.

Those who prefer anonymity may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.