Posted on: Tuesday, July 6, 2004

Big Island man dies after being thrown from SUV

Advertiser Staff

A 27-year-old Kailua, Kona man was killed early yesterday when a Chevy Blazer ran off the road and overturned in a pasture in Holualoa, North Kona, police said.

Hawai'i County police said Jared Kauila Medeiros was riding in the back seat on the driver's side and was ejected in the crash. Medeiros was taken to Kona Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The driver and two other passengers were also taken to the hospital and treated for injuries.

A negligent homicide investigation is under way. Police said they have not determined whether speed or alcohol were factors.

Police said the traffic fatality was the 24th on the Big Island this year, up from 15 over the same time period last year.