June 4, 2010 – Waimea, Hawaii

The following media release was issued by the Hawaii County Police Department:

A 14-year-old Waimea boy died Thursday (June 3) from injuries he sustained in a golf cart crash on Mana Road on May 31, 2010.

The victim was identified as Bronson D. Derego, of a Kamuela address.

Responding to a 5:36 p.m. call, South Kohala patrol officers determined that a 15-year-old Waimea girl was operating a golf cart and traveling north on Mana Road when she made a left turn into a private driveway at which time the victim, who was riding in the back, fell off and struck the pavement.

The victim was transported to the North Hawaii Community Hospital by fire Rescue personnel and later flown to the Queen’s Medical Center in Honolulu and was listed in critical condition.

The victim was pronounced dead at 4:43 p.m.

The driver of the golf cart and two other passengers were not injured.

Traffic Enforcement Unit Officers have initiated a negligent homicide investigation and have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

This is the 17th traffic fatality on the Big Island this year compared to eleven at the same time last year.