KAILUA-KONA — Alcohol and speed were contributing factors in a Saturday evening crash that left a 23-year-old South Kona woman dead.
KAILUA-KONA — Alcohol and speed were contributing factors in a Saturday evening crash that left a 23-year-old South Kona woman dead.
Captain Cook resident Jessica E. Uulopa was a backseat passenger in a 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser that was headed south on Puuhonua Road when it ran off the makai side of the roadway, struck a lava rock wall and overturned about 8 p.m., according to the Hawaii Police Department. The crash occurred near mile marker 3 of Puuhonua Road, on the unimproved portion of Highway 160, which provides a makai route between Kealakekua and Honaunau bays in South Kona.
Uulopa was ejected into a lava field as a result of the single-vehicle crash. She was transported to Kona Community Hospital where she was pronounced dead at 12:25 a.m. Sunday.
Police and fire officials had no additional details on Monday, including who was driving the vehicle, other occupants and whether seat belts were worn. Police say that speed, inattention to driving and alcohol were factors contributing to the crash. A first-degree negligent injury case has been initiated.
An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.