Man killed in traffic accident on Big Island
Advertiser Staff
A 41-year-old Kamuela man died today after a one-vehicle crash on Route 190 in North Kona, Hawai'i County police said.
The victim was identified as Chenault D. Bethea.
Responding to a 12:16 a.m. call between the 18- and 19-mile markers in the Pu'uanahulu area, Kona patrol officers determined that Bethea was in a 1999 Lexus SUV traveling north on Route 190, when he lost control, ran off the road and overturned.
He was not wearing a seat belt and was thrown from the vehicle, police said.
Bethea was pronounced dead at Kona Community Hospital.
Police said they believe that speed and alcohol were contributing factors in the crash.
An autopsy has been ordered.
It was the 12th traffic fatality on the Big Island this year compared with 16 at this time last year.
