20-year-old Hilo driver dies after crash on Mahiai Street

A single-vehicle crash on Mahiai Street near Ahuna Road in Hilo left a 20-year-old man dead Sunday afternoon, police said. Emergency personnel attempted lifesaving measures after the vehicle overturned, but the driver was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver was identified by police as Logan Quintal of Hilo. He was the lone occupant of a 2017 Jeep Renegade that ran off the right shoulder, struck a pile of rocks and overturned. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death, and investigators said at the time of the report that speed, alcohol and drugs were not believed to be factors.

Hawai‘i Police responded to the collision and are continuing their investigation. Authorities asked anyone with information to contact the department or submit tips to Crime Stoppers. The scene on Mahiai Street briefly drew emergency crews and disrupted local traffic while responders worked.

For residents of Hilo, the crash is a stark reminder of how quickly roadway incidents can impact our neighborhoods and families. Mahiai Street is a local connector used by commuters and students, and a single crash in a populated area can ripple through the day for neighbors, school runs and businesses. The loss of a young person in the community underscores the importance of cautious driving and awareness of road conditions.

Local emergency responders remain on alert through the busy winter months when wet roads and visibility changes can complicate driving, and family and friends of the deceased are likely to need community support as details are clarified. The ordered autopsy should provide forensic findings that clarify the sequence of events and any medical factors involved.

The police investigation is ongoing, and officials continue to seek any eyewitness accounts or additional information that could help reconstruct the crash. Contacting the Hawai‘i Police Department or Crime Stoppers with tips will assist investigators and may help prevent similar tragedies.

The takeaway? Drive Mahiai with extra care, especially where shoulders and rock embankments are close to the roadway. Look out for your neighbors and check in with your ʻohana if you hear of an incident nearby—simple care and shared vigilance matter in a place like Hilo.