Maui News

Bicyclist Dies in Head-On Collision in Kula; Motorist Arrested for Negligent Homicide

Play
Listen to this Article
1 minute
Loading Audio... Article will play after ad...
Playing in :00
A
A
A

Cyclist Henry C. Ritmeester, 64, from Haʻikū died Saturday after being struck head-on by a truck crossing the center line on Kula Highway. Photo Credits: Maui Police Department

At about 3:10 pm Saturday, a 19-year-old driving a Toyota truck crossed left of center on Kula Highway and fatally struck a bicyclist head-on, according to the Maui Police Department.

The cyclist was ejected into the roadway and died at the scene. He was identified as Henry C. Ritmeester, 64, from Haʻikū.

MPD Traffic Division Vehicle Homicide Investigators arrested the 19-year-old truck driver, James Clarke from Pukalani, for Negligent Homicide in the First Degree.

The preliminary investigation said speed is suspected as a factor in the crash. The involvement of alcohol and drugs has not been determined yet.

ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW AD
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW AD

Investigators said a 2017 Toyota Tacoma was traveling north on Kula Highway and crossed into the other lane, colliding head-on into the cyclist traveling south on Kula Highway. The cyclist was wearing a helmet.

The driver of the Toyota and his 18-year-old male passenger from Hana did not sustain any injuries. Both were not wearing seatbelts, and airbags did not deploy.

This is the 13th traffic fatality for Maui County this year, more than double the six traffic fatalities through the same time period in 2020.

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Sponsored Content

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Stay in-the-know with daily or weekly
headlines delivered straight to your inbox.
Cancel
×

Comments

This comments section is a public community forum for the purpose of free expression. Although Maui Now encourages respectful communication only, some content may be considered offensive. Please view at your own discretion. View Comments