Hilo, HI – Two Men Killed in Head-On Crash on Daniel K. Inouye Hwy

Hilo, HI (May 6, 2026) – Two men lost their lives on Tuesday, May 5, in a head-on collision on Daniel K. Inouye Highway, also known as Saddle Road, in Hilo. The crash happened around 11 a.m. near the 26-mile marker.

Authorities said a 2011 Toyota Corolla traveling toward Hilo attempted to pass another vehicle and collided head-on with a 2016 Hyundai Tucson traveling toward Kona.

Emergency units responded after receiving reports of the collision. When crews arrived, they performed lifesaving measures on the Hyundai driver, a 34-year-old man from Virginia. Despite those efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene at 11:38 a.m. Officials have not released his identity while family notifications continue.

The Toyota driver, identified as 70-year-old Todd Matsushita of Hilo, was found unresponsive at the scene. Paramedics transported him to Hilo Benioff Medical Center, where he later died at 12:28 p.m.

Investigators believe speed and reckless driving contributed to the fatal collision. Officials closed part of the highway near the 26-mile marker for about an hour while crews worked at the scene.

Authorities continue to investigate the crash and ask anyone with information to come forward.

We extend our sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of both men during this difficult time.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Hawaii?

Under Hawaii law, certain family members and estate representatives may file a wrongful death claim after a fatal crash. Eligible parties can include surviving spouses, children, parents, dependents, and personal representatives of the deceased person’s estate. A person’s ability to file often depends on their relationship to the victim and the circumstances surrounding the death.

As the closest family member to the deceased, a surviving spouse may pursue compensation connected to the loss. This can include lost income, household support, and other financial contributions the deceased would have provided. A spouse may also seek damages related to the loss of companionship and care.

If the deceased had children or dependent family members, those individuals may qualify to file a claim as well. Minor children who depended on the deceased for financial support and daily guidance are commonly included. Adult children may also qualify in some situations, depending on their relationship and level of dependency.

In cases involving unmarried victims or people without children, parents may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim. A parent’s claim may involve funeral expenses, emotional losses, and other related damages. Hawaii law recognizes parental claims in certain situations tied to the family structure and financial dependency.

Because wrongful death claims often involve multiple forms of compensation, families may recover damages for medical expenses, funeral costs, and lost future income. Claims may also include compensation tied to the loss of guidance, companionship, and emotional support provided by the deceased.

Because fatal crashes can involve multiple insurance policies and disputed liability issues, insurance companies may challenge the value of a claim or deny coverage. These disputes can delay the process and place additional stress on surviving family members during an already difficult time.

A wrongful death lawyer can guide families through the legal process and determine what steps may apply to their situation. An attorney familiar with Hawaii wrongful death laws can gather evidence, manage insurance communication, and handle the paperwork tied to the claim.

Our team at Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner has experience handling wrongful death claims across Hilo and the Big Island. We can walk you through how medical expenses, insurance communication, and supporting documentation may affect your claim.

To learn more about your legal options after a fatal crash, you can contact Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner at (808) 537-2525.

Notes: Our team of writers uses secondary sources such as news reports, local and state police incident reports to create these posts. We have not independently verified all of the facts surrounding this particular accident, so if there is any information that is incorrect, please contact Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner so that we can update the post to reflect the most accurate information available.

Disclaimer: This post is not a solicitation for business. The photo used in this post was not taken at the actual accident scene. None of the information in this post is intended to be legal advice or medical advice. If you are injured in an accident, seek medical assistance immediately.