The driver was not injured but was arrested for operating a vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicant and first-degree negligent homicide, Hawaiʻi Police Department said. He remains in custody in Hilo and has not been charged. However, no additional details were released.
Honolulu, HI – Man Identified in Deadly Crash on Orchidland Dr
May 17, 2025
Honolulu, HI (May 17, 2025) – Big Island authorities have launched an investigation after a deadly traffic collision involving a male pedestrian in Kurtistown on the evening of Friday, May 16.
The victim was identified as 21-year-old Maxwell Robertson Sherwood of Keaʻau, according to authorities. Police say that a 30-year-old driver was operating an SUV when he struck Sherwood, who was walking along Orchidland Drive. As a result of the collision, Sherwood was taken to Hilo Benioff Medical Center, where he died later that evening.
Our deepest condolences are extended to the family members of Maxwell Robertson Sherwood.
Fatal Car Accidents in Hawaii
The state of Hawaii reports approximately 10,000 accidents that result in significant injuries annually, and the state has an estimated one million registered vehicles. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of traffic-related fatalities, which is a disheartening reality. The authorities will thoroughly investigate the causes of these individual accidents. However, it is common to observe that the most grievous car accidents in Hawaii are the consequence of negligent driving.
Regrettably, statistics suggest that motorist negligence contributes to the increasing frequency of vehicle collisions in the United States. Speeding, driver preoccupation, driver fatigue, and intoxicated driving are the four basic causes of driver negligence in Hawaii and throughout the United States. Negligent drivers are responsible for nine out of every ten automobile accidents that occur in the United States. These circumstances suggest that a negligent driver was the likely cause of your accident.
In a matter of seconds, the consequences of significant collisions on innocent victims can occur. If you or a family member has been impacted by a severe car accident in Hawaii, it is imperative to retain a legal representative who is both competent and experienced. Hawaii law grants certain rights to accident victims and their loved ones; however, these rights must be exercised appropriately. Without the assistance of an attorney, you may be sacrificing thousands of dollars in valuable compensation.
You have the right to receive full compensation for any losses you have suffered due to your accident. A personal injury attorney in Hawaii can ensure that you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries and losses, even if the insurance company tries to persuade you to accept less than you deserve. To discuss your entitlement to financial compensation, don’t hesitate to contact our attorneys at Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner.
Our team of reputable personal injury attorneys in Honolulu at Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner is fully committed to assisting accident victims who have been injured due to the negligence of other motorists in recovering financial compensation. Get in touch with our law firm as soon as possible so that we can begin working on your personal injury case and you can focus on your recovery. You can reach us at (808) 537-2525 whenever it is convenient for you. We understand that this may be a challenging time for you, but know that our team is here to support and guide you toward recovery.
Notes: Our team of writers uses secondary sources such as news reports and 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 incorrect information, please contact Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner right away so that we can update the post to reflect the most accurate information available.
Disclaimer: This post is not a solicitation for business. 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.