An unidentified male died Thursday night after he apparently crashed his moped into a rock wall on Painted Church Road in Honaunau.
An unidentified male died Thursday night after he apparently crashed his moped into a rock wall on Painted Church Road in Honaunau.
The male, who police said may be 15 or 16 years old while the Hawaii Fire Department estimated he was in his 20s, was operating a 2001 Honda moped and traveling north on the road when he apparently ran off the right side of the road and struck a rock wall, according to the Hawaii Police Department. The man, who was not wearing a helmet, was taken to Kona Community Hospital where he died at 11:25 p.m.
The victim appears to be “local,” about 5 feet 5 inches tall, weighing about 130 pounds with a tan complexion, according to police.
It is unknown at this time if speed, alcohol or drugs were involved, according to police. Police have initiated a coroner’s inquest case and have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
Anyone who many know the identity of the victim should call the department’s nonemergency line at 935-3311.
This is the 11th traffic fatality on Hawaii Island this year compared with seven at this time in 2012.