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Police have released the driver of a vehicle that struck a male pedestrian who died following a Kurtistown traffic collision Friday near the Orchidland Drive and 36th Avenue intersection.

Responding to the 7:22 p.m. call, police determined that a 2010 Jeep Wrangler multi-purpose vehicle operated by a 30-year-old man, later identified as Dallas Brooks, was traveling east on Orchidland Drive when it struck Robertson Sherwood, who was on the roadway and not in a marked crosswalk.

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A witness related that prior to the impact, vehicles had to swerve to avoid hitting the pedestrian, who was in the middle of the roadway, police said.

Sherwood was transported to the Hilo Benioff Medical Center via ambulance, where died from his injuries and was pronounced dead at 7:48 p.m. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

Brooks was not injured as a result of the collision. He was arrested for operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant and first-degree negligent homicide.

At this time, police believe that alcohol is a factor in the crash.

After conferring with county prosecutors Saturday, police released Brooks pending further investigation.

A negligent homicide investigation has been initiated. Anyone with information regarding this collision they can contact Officer Joshua Rodby-Tomas at (808) 961-2339 or via email at Joshua.Rodby-Tomas@hawaiicounty.gov.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.

This is the 13th traffic fatality of 2025, compared to 16 traffic fatalities this same time last year.