Media release from the Hawaii County Police Department:
A 60-year-old Hilo man died Monday (December 12) at The Queen’s Medical Center in Honolulu from injuries he sustained in a motor vehicle/pedestrian collision on Sunday (December 11) on Waiānuenue Avenue in Hilo.
The pedestrian was identified as Theodore S. Riotutar, of Hilo.
Responding to a 6:42 p.m. call, South Hilo patrol officers determined that Riotutar was crossing Waiānunenue Avenue in a northerly direction fronting the Hilo Methodist Church when he was struck by a 2007 Pontiac two-door sedan traveling east and being driven by a 50-year-old Hilo woman.
The pedestrian was not in a crosswalk.
Fire Department personnel took Riotutar to Hilo Medical Center. He was later flown to The Queen’s Medical Center in critical condition. He died Monday at 6:11 p.m.
Police do not suspect alcohol, drugs or speed in connection with the driver but the pedestrian was under the influence of alcohol.
Traffic Enforcement Unit officers have initiated a negligent homicide investigation and have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
Police ask that anyone with information on this case call Officer Tuckloy Aurello at 961-8119.
This is the 22nd traffic fatality on the Big Island this year compared with 25 at this time last year.
