KAILUA-KONA — An autopsy performed Friday morning on the victim who died Wednesday after a utility pole fell on him deemed the death an accident.
Preliminary autopsy results indicate the man, 52-year-old Lyle Kaaihili of Waikoloa, died as a result of blunt force trauma to his body with the manner of death being accidental, according to the Hawaii Police Department.
At 10 a.m. Wednesday, HELCO was using a boom truck to replace a utility pole on the shoulder of Highway 19 near mile marker 35 in the vicinity of Paauilo. Witnesses reported that as the pole was being positioned into place, the boom collapsed and the pole fell onto the victim. Employees with the company were able to remove the pole as first responders arrived on scene.
The victim was taken by ambulance to the North Hawaii Community Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 10:49 a.m.
Anyone with information should contact the department’s nonemergency line at 935-3311 or Detective Jesse Kerr of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section at 961-2379 or Jesse.Kerr@hawaiicounty.gov.