Police have identified the 9-year-old girl killed in a one-car crash on Maunakea Access Road New Year’s Day as Kelsirose Adelka of Kailua-Kona.
That collision also injured the other seven people on board.
According to police, an autopsy on the girl’s body was performed today and traffic investigators are continuing a mechanical inspection of the 2018 Toyota Tacoma pickup truck she was a passenger in.
Police earlier noted possible brake failure as a factor causing the car to run off the road and plunge into a ravine.
The girl’s death is the first traffic fatality of the year on Hawaii Island.
A negligent homicide investigation is continuing. Police ask that anyone who witnessed the collision or who has information on the incident to contact Officer Jared Cabatu at (808) 961-2339 or Jared.Cabatu@HawaiiCounty.gov. Those who prefer anonymity may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.