PC: Leilani Leialoha
Hawai‘i Island police are reporting a traffic-related death involving a motorcyclist that was discovered around 8:34 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2021, on Saddle Road in the area of the 31 and 32-mile markers on the Daniel Inouye Highway (DKI).
Police received a report of a motorcycle and body found near some pasture land off the highway and learned that a male operator was riding a 2014 Harley Davidson motorcycle traveling west on DKI Highway. While negotiating a curve to the left in the roadway, the operator continued straight, crossing into the right shoulder and struck the curb at the edge of the asphalt, landing in the pasture.
Police believe that the operator and motorcycle went airborne over a fence boarding the asphalt and pasture landing several yards away.
The motorcyclist, who was not wearing a helmet at the time of the collision, was transported to Hilo Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at 11:36 a.m. He has been identified as 44-year-old Tyson Garcia of Puna.
An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
At this time, the East Hawaii Traffic Enforcement Unit reports they do not believe that there were any other vehicles involved, however, investigators are not ruling out the possibility and are asking for the public’s assistance in providing any information.
The Traffic Enforcement Unit has determined that speed and not wearing a helmet were contributing factors in the crash. Depending on the result of the autopsy and further testing, police will be able to determine if alcohol and/or drugs are factors, along with an estimated time of death relating to the crash.
This is the 22nd fatal traffic collision of 2021 compared to 13 fatal traffic collisions during this same time period last year.
The rise in fatal traffic collisions is a growing concern for the police, and added traffic enforcement projects will be completed over the upcoming weekend that will include speeding enforcement projects on DKI.
The East Hawaii Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation, which is pending. Police are asking for anyone who may have witnessed the crash or who has information to contact Officer Clifford Antonio at (808) 961-2339 or via email Clifford.Antonio@HawaiiCounty.gov. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.