A 24-year-old Kea'au man died Sunday (July 12) from injuries he sustained in a one-vehicle crash on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) .2 miles west of the 51-mile marker in the Hāmākua District.

The victim was identified as Albert I. Laurdin, of a Kea'au address.

Responding to a 5:10 a.m. call, Hāmākua patrol officers determined that the victim was operating a 2001 Nissan multi-purpose vehicle and traveling west on the highway when he ran off the right side of the road and overturned.

A passenger in the vehicle, a 22-year-old Honoka'a man was taken to North Hawaii Community Hospital, where he was listed in satisfactory condition.

Both occupants were not wearing their seat belts and were ejected from the vehicle.

Police believe that speed and alcohol were factors in the crash.

Traffic Enforcement Unit officers have initiated a coroner's inquest case and have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

Police ask anyone with information about this case to call Officer Andres Fojas at 961-8889.

This is the 13^th traffic fatality on the Big Island this year compared with 14 at this time last year.

---