A motorcyclist died following a collision with a Tesla SUV on 12th Avenue in Hawaiian Paradise Park at 4:30 p.m. Monday.
Authorities said the northbound 58-year-old motorcyclist, identified as Max Mattos of Kurtistown, was traveling at a high rate of speed when he collided with the southbound 2024 Tesla sport-utility vehicle making a left turn into a private driveway in the 15-1600 block of 12th Avenue. Mattos was unresponsive at the scene and was pronounced dead at 5:41 p.m. at Hilo Benioff Medical Center.
The driver of the Tesla, a 47-year-old woman from Keaau, was not injured. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
Though speed and reckless driving are suspected factors in the crash, police confirmed Mattos was wearing a helmet at the time. This incident marks the 13th traffic fatality of 2026 on Hawaii Island, matching the total from the same period last year. It is also the eighth fatality in the past two weeks and the fourth since Friday.
Authorities remind motorists that many traffic fatalities are preventable and urge drivers to remain attentive and adhere to traffic laws.
Anyone with information about the collision is encouraged to contact Officer Johnathan Rapoza at (808) 961-2339 or Johnathan.Rapoza@hawaiipolice.gov. Anonymous tips can be reported to Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.