Male Dies Following Hit and Run On Hwy 137 Wednesday Night
8:11 PM · Jan 23, 2020(HPD) An unidentified male pedestrian died from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle/ pedestrian crash that occurred on Wednesday evening (January 22) on Highway 137, .1 mile east of the Highway 137/Pāhoa-Kalapana Road intersection. The identification of the victim is still pending. Responding to an 11:28 p.m. call, police determined that a male pedestrian walking along Highway 137 was struck by a vehicle that fled the scene. The pedestrian was unresponsive, and he was later pronounced dead at the Hilo Medical Center at 3:37 a.m. Police believe alcohol and inattention were factors in the crash. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death. The Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a Negligent Homicide investigation and is asking for anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or have any information relative to the identity of the responsible driver, to contact Officer Jared Cabatu of the Area I Traffic Enforcement Unit at (808) 961-2339. This is the 3rd traffic fatality this year compared to 2 at this time last year.