Pāhoa Man Dies Following September Motorcycle Crash
PĀHOA, HI – A 53-year-old man has died three weeks after sustaining critical injuries in a motorcycle crash on Highway 137.
The victim, identified as Joe McDonald, lost control of his 2004 Honda Shadow while riding south near the 14-mile marker on September 5, according to the Hawaii Police Department. The incident occurred at approximately 1:48 p.m., when McDonald veered off the road and was thrown from the motorcycle.
Emergency personnel transported McDonald to Hilo Benioff Medical Center, where he was later medevaced to The Queen's Medical Center in Oahu for specialized care. He succumbed to his injuries on Saturday at 4:30 a.m.
Authorities suspect that speed, alcohol, and/or drugs may have contributed to the crash, and noted that McDonald was not wearing a helmet at the time. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
The East Hawaii Traffic Enforcement Unit is investigating the incident as a coroner's inquest. Witnesses are encouraged to contact Officer Laurence Davis at (808) 961-2339 or via email at Laurence.Davis@hawaiipolice.gov. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.
McDonald's death marks the 25th traffic fatality on Big Island roads in 2026, compared to 17 during the same period last year.