Bad weather appears to have caused the death of a 74-year-old Holualoa man this week, Hawaii island police said.
William Ryder, a seasonal coffee farm worker, was found dead about 6:30 a.m. Monday in Holualoa, police said.
He had been living in a shacklike structure with no walls, which apparently was blown about 150 feet from its foundation.
Ryder appeared to have been within the 384-square-foot, iron-roofed structure when it toppled, causing his death, police said.
Police Maj. Rob Wagner said Ryder had been seen alive the day before.
An autopsy was conducted and final results are pending the outcome of toxicology tests. No foul play is suspected.
Police asked anyone with information on the incident to call Lt. William Gary Souther at 326-4646, ext. 253.
Kapaau man dies after being dragged by his pickup truck
A 66-year-old Kapaau man died Monday after he was dragged by his truck before it crashed into a tree.
Police said Myron Okubo was pulled off to the side of Keokea Beach Road for unknown reasons about 3:25 p.m. Monday when his 2000 Dodge pickup began moving.
Okubo was dragged by his truck as it crossed the road and rolled down a short embankment where it struck a tree.
Police said officers were able to see scuff marks on the asphalt from Okubo dragging his sandals.
The crash pinned Okubo between the driver’s door and the cab of the pickup. He was taken in critical condition to Kona Community Hospital, where he died at 8:19 p.m. Monday.
Police have requested an autopsy to determine the exact cause of Okubo’s death.
It was the third fatality on the Big Island this year, compared to four at this time last year.
Police ask that anyone who may have witnessed the crash to call officer Justin Hooser at 326-4646, ext. 229.