Motorcyclist Killed in Collision with SUV in Hawaiian Paradise Park
HAWAII ISLAND, HI — A 58-year-old motorcyclist died Monday afternoon following a collision with a sport-utility vehicle in Hawaiian Paradise Park.
At approximately 4:30 p.m., a Suzuki Enduro motorcycle traveling north on 12th Avenue at a high rate of speed collided with a southbound 2024 Tesla SUV that was turning left into a private driveway, according to the Hawaii Police Department.
The motorcyclist, identified as Max Mattos of Kurtistown, was unresponsive at the scene and later pronounced dead at 5:41 p.m. at Hilo Benioff Medical Center. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death, police said. The driver of the Tesla, a 47-year-old woman from Keaau, did not sustain any injuries.
Authorities indicated that speed and reckless driving are suspected factors in the crash. It was noted that Mattos was wearing a helmet at the time of the incident.
This incident marks Hawaii Island’s 13th traffic fatality of 2026, matching the total fatalities for the same period last year. Additionally, it is the eighth traffic fatality on the island in the last two weeks, with four occurring since Friday.
Anyone with information about the crash is encouraged to contact Officer Johnathan Rapoza at (808) 961-2339 or via email at Johnathan.Rapoza@hawaiipolice.gov.