Police Investigating Fatal Pedestrian Crash in Kurtistown

Hawai’i Island police launched a negligent homicide investigation following a fatal traffic collision involving a male pedestrian in Kurtistown Friday evening, May 16, 2025. The man has been identified as 21-year-old Maxwell Robertson Sherwood of Kea‘au.

Responding to a 7:22 p.m. call, police determined that a 2010 Jeep Wrangler multi-purpose vehicle operated by a 30-year-old man, later identified as Dallas Brooks, was traveling east on Orchidland Drive, near the intersection of 36^th Avenue, when it struck Sherwood who was on the roadway and not in a marked crosswalk. A witness related that prior to the impact, there were vehicles that had to swerve to avoid hitting the pedestrian who was in the middle of the roadway.

Sherwood was transported to the Hilo Benioff Medical Center via ambulance where he succumbed to his injuries and pronounced deceased at 7:48 p.m. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

Brooks was not injured as a result of the collision. He was arrested for operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant and first-degree negligent homicide. He remains in custody at the Hilo Police Station pending further investigation.

The East Hawai‘i Traffic Enforcement Unit responded to the scene and is continuing the investigation. At this time, police believe that alcohol is a factor in the crash.

If anyone has information regarding this collision they may contact Officer Joshua Rodby-Tomas at (808) 961-2339 or via email at Joshua.Rodby-Tomas@hawaiicounty.gov. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.

This is the 13th traffic fatality of 2025 as compared to 16 traffic fatalities this same time last year.