Vehicle Struck Monkeypod Tree in Fatal Makena Accident

Makena Alanui morning road closure, January 19, 2011. Photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

Maui police say a man who died at the scene of an early morning traffic accident in Makena did not die as a result of the crash.

Authorities have since identified the man as 61-year-old Bernardo Ragamat.

The vehicle, described as a Toyota 4Runner, was headed south on Makena Alanui Road at around 4:32 a.m. when the accident occurred.

According to police reports, the vehicle Ragamat failed to negotiate a sweeping left hand turn, traveled off the roadway, and collided into a monkeypod tree.

Maui police say Ragamat was wearing his seatbelt, but died at the scene.  The incident is being investigated as an unattended death with final autopsy results pending.

The accident forced the temporary closure of Makena Alanui Road between Honoiki Street and Old Makena Road from 4:50 to 8:41 a.m. while police conducted an investigation.

Makena Alanui Drive, January 19, 2012. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Makena Alanui Drive, January 19, 2012. Photo by Wendy Osher.