Oahu man dies after crash on Saddle Road
A 53-year-old Oahu man died Friday, four days after a single-vehicle crash on Daniel K. Inouye Highway.
Joselito Castillo of Ewa Beach was driving a 2004 Toyota Tacoma east near mile marker 6 in Hilo on March 8 when the pickup truck hydroplaned in heavy rain, spun, went off the road and ended up in a ditch about 150-feet deep.
Castillo was found unresponsive at the scene, taken to Hilo Medical Center and subsequently to The Queen’s Medical Center in Honolulu while still in stable but critical condition, according to the Hawaii Police Department. Police were notified that Castillo died Friday.
An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
The front seat passenger of the pickup truck, a 57-year-old man, was also taken Hilo Medical Center for treatment of his injuries and was later released.
Police believe that speed, for the specific roadway conditions, was the primary factor in the crash.
Anyone who may have witnessed the incident should contact Officer Blayne Matsuiat (808) 961-2339 or Blayne.Matsui@hawaiicounty.gov. Those who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.
Castillo’s death is the ninth traffic fatality this year on Big Island public roads. At this time in 2021, five people had perished.
