A 51-year-old Waikoloa man died following a two-vehicle collision Friday evening in Kailua-Kona.
KAILUA-KONA — A 51-year-old Waikoloa man died following a two-vehicle collision Friday evening in Kailua-Kona.
The Hawaii Police Department on Monday identified him as Raymond Mata Jr.
Responding to a 9:55 p.m. Friday call, police determined that a brown 2015 Toyota pickup truck being operated by a 38-year-old Keauhou woman was traveling southbound on Alii Drive when her pickup truck was rear-ended by a tan 1999 Toyota pickup truck being operated by Mata, who was also traveling southbound on Alii Drive, according to police.
The pickup truck being operated by Mata then struck head-on with a utility pole and stone wall, according to police. Mata was unresponsive on the scene and was later transported to Kona Community Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 1:21 a.m. Saturday.
Police believe that inattention and speed were factors in this collision, but it is not immediately known if alcohol was a factor.
An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
The traffic enforcement unit has initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation and is asking for anyone who may have witnessed the accident to contact officer Justin Hooser at 326-4646 ext. 229.
This is the 24th traffic fatality this year compared with 26 at this time last year.
Subscribe today for unlimited access.
Already a subscriber?
Login
Not ready to subscribe?
Register for limited access.
If you have a print subscription but require digital access,
activate your account.
This almost sounds like the guy died at the wheel before rear-ending the other vehicle… either way, R.I.P.