The facts have been updated in the case of Ray Donnell Worrells, the 74-year-old Waikoloa man who died following a traffic incident earlier this year. Initially classified as a traffic fatality, the incident on New Year's Day has taken a turn following the coroner's report. In an update from the Hawai'i Police Department, it's been revealed that the man's death was the result of a medical condition, not the crash itself.
Worrells was involved in a single-vehicle collision that occurred around 5:11 p.m. on January 1, at the intersection of Eleele Street and Haena Street in Waikoloa. His vehicle, a blue 2019 Mercedes-Benz 300 SUV, had reportedly to cross over the double-solid yellow lines before striking a rock wall and overturning. The driver was taken to the North Hawai‘i Community Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased on January 2. What was thought to be a clear case of traffic casualty has now shifted following the autopsy results.
According to a statement released by the local authorities, the coroner determined that injuries sustained in the crash were not the cause of death, prompting the police to adjust the official traffic fatality count for 2025 down to five from six.
The police have yet to thoroughly discuss to determine if the medical condition may have contributed to the cause of the crash. For those looking to follow up or provide additional details about the incident, Officer Dayson Taniguchi can be reached at (808) 326-4646, ext. 229, or via email [email protected]. Anonymous tips are also welcome with Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.
