A 56-year-old Kona man died following a three-vehicle collision Tuesday evening in Kailua-Kona.
A 56-year-old Kona man died following a three-vehicle collision Tuesday evening in Kailua-Kona.
He has been identified as Robert Pfleger of Holualoa.
Officers responding to a 5:24 p.m. call determined that a 2004 Jeep Cherokee driven by 31-year-old Anna Vaverko of Kailua-Kona was traveling west on Hina Lani Street. At the intersection of Hina Lani Street and Kamanu Street, the Jeep turned left onto Kamanu Street and ran head-on into a 2007 Yamaha motorcycle ridden by Pfleger, which was traveling east on Hina Lani Street. The Jeep then ran head-on into a Ford F-150 pickup truck operated by a 74-year-old man, which was traveling north on Kamanu Street.
Pfleger, who was wearing a helmet, sustained injuries to his legs and head from the collision. He was taken to Kona Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 6:04 p.m. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
Occupants of the truck and Jeep were not injured.
Vaverko was arrested on suspicion of negligent homicide. She was later released pending further investigation.
Witnesses are asked to call Officer Kimo Keliipaakaua or Officer Christopher Kapua-Allison at 326-4646, ext. 229. Those who prefer anonymity may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.
This is the seventh traffic fatality this year compared to four at this time last year.