A 28-year-old Pahala man died Friday (January 1) from injuries he sustained in a one-vehicle crash on Pikake Street in Pahala in the Ka’ū District.

The victim was identified as Darcy Aguil, of a Pahala address.

Responding to a 12:02 a.m. call, Ka’ū patrol officers determined that the victim was operating a 1994 Nissan four-door sedan and traveling south on Pikake Street at a high rate of speed between Kamani Street and Huapala Street when he lost control, struck a parked vehicle and was ejected from his car. The victim was not wearing his seat belt.

The victim was transported to Ka’ū Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 3:43 a.m.

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

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

Police ask that anyone with information about this crash call Officer Joshua Lewis at 326-4646, extension 229.

This is the first traffic fatality on the Big Island this year compared with none at this time last year.