Police investigators determined that a 2016 Toyota 4Runner traveling south, (Volcano bound), on Highway 11, crossed the double solid yellow line and struck a 2020 Jeep SUV traveling north, (Hilo bound), head-on. After the initial collision, a 2000 Volvo sedan traveling south struck the Toyota 4Runner and sustained minor damage.
The occupants of the 2020 Jeep have been identified as Jason Howell and Rebecca Van Uitert, both 44 years old, of Heber City, Utah.
The driver of the 2016 Toyota 4Runner has been identified as 34-year-old Maile Robello of Volcano.
Autopsies have been conducted and police are still awaiting additional testing results to determine potential causes of the collision.
A negligent homicide investigation initiated by the East Hawaii Traffic Enforcement Unit is still continuing at this time. Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or who has information on this incident is asked to please contact Officer Jerome Duarte at (808) 961-2339 or via email Jerome.Duarte@HawaiiCounty.gov.