Hawai’i Island police have identified the male pedestrian who died following a May 1 Hilo traffic collision as 69-year-old James R. Lawrence.
Officers responding to the Hilo Benioff Medical Center for a separate incident, came upon a traffic collision involving a pedestrian and motor vehicle and learned that a 2015 Subaru four-door sedan was traveling west on Waiānuenue Avenue when it struck Lawrence, who was on the roadway.
Lawrence, who was conscious at the scene, was transported to the Hilo Benioff Medical Center via ambulance and listed in critical condition. He was slated to be transported to the Queen’s Medical Center on Oʻahu but succumbed to his injuries and pronounced dead.
An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
The operator of the 2015 Subaru four-door sedan, a 62-year-old Hilo woman, was not injured as a result of the collision.
At this time, police believe that speed or alcohol/drugs were not factors in the crash.
A negligent homicide investigation has been initiated and if anyone has information regarding this collision they may contact Officer Johnathan Rapoza at (808) 961-2339 or via email at Johnathan.Rapoza@hawaiicounty.gov.
