KURTISTOWN, Hawai’i – Hawaiʻi Island police have released the driver involved in a fatal traffic collision in Kurtistown, which resulted in the death of a male pedestrian. The incident occurred in the area of Orchidland Drive and 36th Avenue intersection around 7:22 p.m. on Friday, May 16, 2025.
Authorities identified the pedestrian as Robertson Sherwood.
Initial investigations reveal that a 2010 Jeep Wrangler multi-purpose vehicle, operated by 30-year-old Dallas Brooks, was traveling east on Orchidland Drive when it struck Sherwood, who was on the roadway and not within a marked crosswalk. A witness related that prior to the impact, there were vehicles that had to swerve to avoid hitting the pedestrian who was in the middle of the roadway.
Robertson Sherwood was transported by ambulance to Hilo Benioff Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at 7:48 p.m. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
Brooks, who was uninjured in the collision, was initially arrested for operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant and first-degree negligent homicide. The East Hawaii Traffic Enforcement Unit responded to the scene, and police currently believe alcohol was a contributing factor in the crash.
On Saturday, May 17, 2025, after conferring with the Hawaiʻi County Prosecutor’s Office, the East Hawaii Traffic Enforcement Unit released Brooks pending further investigation.
A negligent homicide investigation has been initiated. Police are urging anyone with information regarding this collision to contact Officer Joshua Rodby-Tomas at (808) 961-2339 or via email at Joshua.Rodby-Tomas@hawaiicounty.gov. Tipsters who wish to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.
This tragic incident marks the 13th traffic fatality on Hawaiʻi Island in 2025, compared to 16 fatalities at the same time last year.