Jaquias’ death is the fourth official traffic fatality on the Big Island this year, compared to five at the same time last year. A pedestrian hit by a van Friday evening in Hilo died of his injuries Saturday evening in
A pedestrian hit by a van Friday evening in Hilo died of his injuries Saturday evening in a Honolulu hospital, according to police.
The victim was identified as 56-year-old Marcelino Jaquias Jr. of Hilo.
Officers responding to a 6:58 p.m. call Friday determined that Jaquias was crossing the Wailoa Bridge in a northerly direction when he was struck by a westbound 2008 Kia van driven by 47-year-old John Leslie of Hilo.
According to a written police statement, Jaquias was not in a crosswalk.
He was originally taken by ambulance to Hilo Medical Center and later flown to The Queen’s Medical Center in critical condition. He was pronounced dead at 6:42 p.m. Saturday.
Leslie and his passengers, a 43-year-old woman and a 5-year-old girl, were not injured.
Police do not believe that speed, alcohol or drugs were factors on Leslie’s part, but believe that Jaquias had been drinking.
A negligent homicide investigation has been opened and an autopsy ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
Jaquias’ death is the fourth official traffic fatality on the Big Island this year, compared to five at the same time last year.
