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2 men killed in 3-vehicle crash
  
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By Nathan Eagle - The Garden Island
WAILUA — A three-vehicle crash Saturday morning near Wailua Golf Course killed two men and hospitalized three people, shutting down both directions of Kuhio Highway for most of the day.
The crash involved a “big rig” truck, a rental car and a motorcycle, a county news release said. KPD confirmed that two men, the driver of the truck and the driver of the rental car, were pronounced dead at the scene.
The truck driver is identified as Scott Aviguetero, 25, of Kaumakani. The driver of the car is identified as Wesley VanValkenburg, 30, of Union, Ill.
This crash — which comes on the heels of a wreck Friday morning in Koloa that killed 21-year-old Brian Pacheco of Hanapepe — marked the fifth traffic fatality this year on Kaua‘i.
Two passengers in the car, a woman and an infant, were transported to Wilcox Memorial Hospital. The female operator of the motorcycle, who was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, was also transported to Wilcox. Their conditions remained unknown at press time, but the release says they were treated for unspecified, non-life-threatening injuries.
The occupants of the car were visitors to Kaua‘i. The survivors and other family members are being assisted by the Kaua‘i Visitors Bureau and Life’s Bridges of Hawai‘i, a grief counseling service.
The crash happened when the southbound motorcyclist lost control of her cycle and “dumped it” down on the highway, the release said. The northbound truck driver apparently struck the cycle and lost control of his rig.
He then hit the southbound car on its driver’s side and the car and truck landed in a ditch on the mauka side of the highway. The truck overturned, landing on its roof.
The highway was closed soon after the wreck around 9:45 a.m. Traffic was diverted as the Kaua‘i Police Department and other agencies investigated the scene and cleared the road. The highway was reopened around 6:24 p.m.
“We are all so shocked and saddened by this tragedy and our hearts and prayers are with the victims and their families,” Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. said in a statement. “Mahalo to the Kaua‘i Police Department, all of the first responders, the media and the public for their patience and assistance in dealing with this terrible, terrible situation.”
Accident investigation, removal of victims from the scene, DOT inspection of the road and DOH hazmat response for fuel and oil spilled at the scene all contributed to the delay in reopening the road, the release said.
The state Department of Transportation was called to the scene to inspect damage to the road and guardrail and to approve the highway for public use.
When the rig crashed, it scattered its load of heavy equipment on the road and shoulder. Crews utilized a mechanic, an excavator and other equipment to remove it from the scene.
The state Department of Health was on scene to ensure that oil and fuel spilled on the road and ditch were properly cleaned before the highway was reopened.
Southbound traffic was routed along the Wailua emergency bypass road, mauka of the highway, and northbound traffic was routed along the shoulder of the highway adjacent to the golf course.
The bypasses were opened within 45 minutes of the crash, the release said. After about two hours of significant delays, traffic was moving relatively smoothly in both directions along the rough roads.
Motorists traveling between Kapa‘a and Lihu‘e experienced long delays.
It remained unknown at press time if speed, drugs or alcohol were contributing factors in the crash, or if any criminal charges were pending.
The crash involved a “big rig” truck, a rental car and a motorcycle, a county news release said. KPD confirmed that two men, the driver of the truck and the driver of the rental car, were pronounced dead at the scene.
The truck driver is identified as Scott Aviguetero, 25, of Kaumakani. The driver of the car is identified as Wesley VanValkenburg, 30, of Union, Ill.
This crash — which comes on the heels of a wreck Friday morning in Koloa that killed 21-year-old Brian Pacheco of Hanapepe — marked the fifth traffic fatality this year on Kaua‘i.
Two passengers in the car, a woman and an infant, were transported to Wilcox Memorial Hospital. The female operator of the motorcycle, who was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, was also transported to Wilcox. Their conditions remained unknown at press time, but the release says they were treated for unspecified, non-life-threatening injuries.
The occupants of the car were visitors to Kaua‘i. The survivors and other family members are being assisted by the Kaua‘i Visitors Bureau and Life’s Bridges of Hawai‘i, a grief counseling service.
The crash happened when the southbound motorcyclist lost control of her cycle and “dumped it” down on the highway, the release said. The northbound truck driver apparently struck the cycle and lost control of his rig.
He then hit the southbound car on its driver’s side and the car and truck landed in a ditch on the mauka side of the highway. The truck overturned, landing on its roof.
The highway was closed soon after the wreck around 9:45 a.m. Traffic was diverted as the Kaua‘i Police Department and other agencies investigated the scene and cleared the road. The highway was reopened around 6:24 p.m.
“We are all so shocked and saddened by this tragedy and our hearts and prayers are with the victims and their families,” Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. said in a statement. “Mahalo to the Kaua‘i Police Department, all of the first responders, the media and the public for their patience and assistance in dealing with this terrible, terrible situation.”
Accident investigation, removal of victims from the scene, DOT inspection of the road and DOH hazmat response for fuel and oil spilled at the scene all contributed to the delay in reopening the road, the release said.
The state Department of Transportation was called to the scene to inspect damage to the road and guardrail and to approve the highway for public use.
When the rig crashed, it scattered its load of heavy equipment on the road and shoulder. Crews utilized a mechanic, an excavator and other equipment to remove it from the scene.
The state Department of Health was on scene to ensure that oil and fuel spilled on the road and ditch were properly cleaned before the highway was reopened.
Southbound traffic was routed along the Wailua emergency bypass road, mauka of the highway, and northbound traffic was routed along the shoulder of the highway adjacent to the golf course.
The bypasses were opened within 45 minutes of the crash, the release said. After about two hours of significant delays, traffic was moving relatively smoothly in both directions along the rough roads.
Motorists traveling between Kapa‘a and Lihu‘e experienced long delays.
It remained unknown at press time if speed, drugs or alcohol were contributing factors in the crash, or if any criminal charges were pending.
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| Weekly Roadwork Index for Sunday, June 21, 2009 |
Related headlines
- 2 men killed in 3-vehicle crash
- BREAKING NEWS 2 men killed in 3-vehicle crash; Kuhio Highway reopened
- Letters for Tuesday, June 23, 2009
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Reader Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of kauaiworld.com.
gramsof1 wrote on Jun 20, 2009 5:12 PM:
" Probably speed involved somewhere, but I hope not. I feel so sad for the folks in the rental car. Obviously a family on vacation and now the husband and daddy is gone forever. So sad. "
kramercmc wrote on Jun 20, 2009 7:16 PM:
" Gramsof1 nice words and you are correct. Not to many except maybe the tourist car actually drive the speed limit, especially on that stretch of highway. "
Wailuaboy wrote on Jun 20, 2009 8:12 PM:
" How convenient that the motorcycle operator who's irresponsible actions slaughtered two innocent people and destroyed countless lives was wearing a helmet and escaped serious injuries. Two people are dead. Le't hope she's well enough to stand trial and spend the next 20 years in prison. "
hanaleiwahine wrote on Jun 20, 2009 9:22 PM:
" Our community here on Kauai are all saddened by this awful event of tragedy! We will hurt for the loss of sons, brothers,husbands,Dads as tomorrow arises. Tragedy happens all the time, so in the movement of life, choose our words wisely and our actions even more wisely. We may not be given another day. Remember these special people, with a new lesson in life....What a Gift! Aloha Ke Akua "
tutuwahine338 wrote on Jun 20, 2009 10:34 PM:
" It's a sad affair for all those involved. Scott Aviguetero is the only son of Douglas and June Aviguetero. We can only try to imagine the saddness and pain that was brought upon both families today. As we all know it doesn't take much for stories to fly across the island with half truths. It doesn't really matter who was at fault (if there were any), the only thing that these families need right now are prayers and family and community support. My daughter was out on that road today when she came upon that dreadful accident. Little did we know that it was her classmate and former neighbor that was pinned in the truck. My heartfelt sympathy to the Aviguetero's and also to the VanValkenburg's. Know that your loved ones now rest in the arms of our Lord and Savior. God Bless You All. "
honumom wrote on Jun 21, 2009 12:54 AM:
" How sad for all involved. And the day before Father's Day too. Suddenly my problems seem so insignificant... "
wati wrote on Jun 21, 2009 5:36 AM:
" A very tragic news indeed. Our prayers and sympathy goes out to the victims and families of this horrific accident.
God bless you, Scotty! "
God bless you, Scotty! "
Fran wrote on Jun 21, 2009 6:05 AM:
" Such a tragedy! My thoughts and prayers go out to all the families involved. Unlike, gramsof1 this is not the time to be looking for blame. This was a tragic accident and a time for the families to mourn and seek peace, not blame! Aloha......... "
sunlove wrote on Jun 21, 2009 8:17 AM:
" what does it mean to "dump" your motorcycle? throw it down & walk away? this is so sad for everyone involved! god bless them all! "
B'z wrote on Jun 21, 2009 9:11 AM:
" There's so many accidents that happened by that three lane highway. my cousin wrapped a telephone pole couple years ago..I want to start a movement to install cement barriers dividing the oncoming traffic. The way that highway was designed there's too much flaws in the engineering of that highway..There's no banks on that highway, they didn't even put a slope so the water could run off the road..we should get some kind of second opinion on the designed of that highway and come up with solutions to where its a safe highway...come on Kauai!!! How much more kauai residents and tourists have to die till We act on making this highway safer!!! "
andy wrote on Jun 21, 2009 9:14 AM:
" Amidst the mostly thoughtful and sympathetic comments regarding this tragic accident, it's disturbing to read "wailuaboy"'s rush to judgement: do you know something that we don't know, wailuaboy? Was the motorcycle rider somehow wilfully reckless or negligent, or did she just have an accident that could have happened to anyone, including you or me? To respond so viciously before knowing all the facts is heartless and irresponsible. If anyone is at fault, the courts will decide. Meanwhile, let's not compound tragedy with stupidity. "
sisterno4 wrote on Jun 21, 2009 9:27 AM:
" Where and what happened to the cyclist when she "dumped" her motorcycle.? The highway does not have a swail on that turn and I know that is why so many accidents and deaths have occurred. If you look at that stretch of highway the turns are level, it's not supposed to be, it is supposed to have slight swails so the weight of vehicles lean than even out on the flat and straightaway. Come one Dept. of Transportation, fix it. "
ILoveMotorcycles wrote on Jun 21, 2009 9:28 AM:
" I'm Glad no more people died !!
God Bless Motorcycle Helmets !!
When it's your time --it's your time !! "
God Bless Motorcycle Helmets !!
When it's your time --it's your time !! "
kawiseguy wrote on Jun 21, 2009 1:02 PM:
" Two people are dead and the collateral damage to the families is devastating, yet Tutuwahine338 tells us "IT DOESN'T MATTER WHO WAS AT FAULT." What an absurd comment. Tell the victims' families that it doesn't matter. This wasn't an "act of God." From all that I've heard and based on the newspaper accounts, it appears to be a case of reckless endangerment. A witness or witnesses obviously saw what happened and the details of the events that preceded the crash will be determined. If the investigation indicates that the motorcycle operator was responsible then charges should be filed. The community needs to do more than pray in a case like this, it needs to support the just prosecution if a crime has been committed. "
I Am Me wrote on Jun 21, 2009 1:15 PM:
" Rest in Peace Scotty & Wesley.
This is very sad news. My heart goes out to both families. "
This is very sad news. My heart goes out to both families. "
KaRae-Z wrote on Jun 21, 2009 1:58 PM:
" My heart goes out to all the victims and the families involved in the accident. I'm wondering the samething as "sunlove" on the bottom.... "what does 'dump your motocycle' mean?
Kauai needs to do something about alternative routes of driving when stuff like this happens.
I'll be praying for all the people involved... "
Kauai needs to do something about alternative routes of driving when stuff like this happens.
I'll be praying for all the people involved... "
kawiseguy wrote on Jun 21, 2009 4:03 PM:
" In answer to "sunlove" - according to the Motorcycle Bikers Dictionary:
Dumping the Bike/Dumped the Bike - A zero speed spill. A bike is dumped when the rider applies brakes while in a very slow turn, or is trying to get his bike up onto (or off of) its center-stand, or is walking the bike and it gets away from him, or forgets to put the side-stand down and tries to get off the bike, or any of dozens of other 'dumb' things that lead to losing control of the bike and its laying over onto the ground. "
Dumping the Bike/Dumped the Bike - A zero speed spill. A bike is dumped when the rider applies brakes while in a very slow turn, or is trying to get his bike up onto (or off of) its center-stand, or is walking the bike and it gets away from him, or forgets to put the side-stand down and tries to get off the bike, or any of dozens of other 'dumb' things that lead to losing control of the bike and its laying over onto the ground. "
mem_shaw wrote on Jun 21, 2009 4:21 PM:
" To all the families involved. This is from one of the VanVaulkenburgs friends Wesleys family knows God and his un-ending love They would not blame or wish harm on others so please pray for them all and don't wish others pain from this loss. Our families have been close for many years and when one of our own died on a motercycle a few years ago we hurt and having unkind words thrown out and rumors spread only hurts the living more than the loss they all ready are feeling. So please be kind and remember the living, for they are reading the unkind words on here and it is NOT helping any of them. To Wes's family Our prayers and thoughts are with you all during this sad time. God Be with you all. M Shaw "
yitz wrote on Jun 21, 2009 5:03 PM:
" "Dumping" your motorcycle means to intentionally lay the bike down. Usually you do it when you are in fear of crashing, so it's a way to create a controlled fall. It is infinitely preferable to smacking a car head-on. What is in question is why a stable motorcycle going 50 mph on a clean stretch of road is suddenly out of control. The police will no doubt provide info on this as time goes on as there could be civil and criminal proceedings after this incident. The biker was in full gear, and was lucky to walk away--usually this is not the case. The motorcyclist is the lowest animal on the food chain on the road so this means usually we get the short end of the deal, but not always.
Whether or not she did anything wrong remains to be seen. We'll find out soon enough, but two families are missing members now, and the rider will have horrific memories for the rest of her life. Everyone loses in this case, no matter who was at fault or what happened.
Drive safe, ride safe, wear your gear. In the mean time, I suggest we wait for more official info before passing judgment on the biker.
There's plenty of time for all that later on. In the mean time I think everyone could benefit from more prayer than anything else. "
Whether or not she did anything wrong remains to be seen. We'll find out soon enough, but two families are missing members now, and the rider will have horrific memories for the rest of her life. Everyone loses in this case, no matter who was at fault or what happened.
Drive safe, ride safe, wear your gear. In the mean time, I suggest we wait for more official info before passing judgment on the biker.
There's plenty of time for all that later on. In the mean time I think everyone could benefit from more prayer than anything else. "
max004 wrote on Jun 21, 2009 6:34 PM:
" I have to agree with tutuwahine338 and most of the others. These families suffered a terrible loss. People tend to point fingers and place blame before viewing all the facts. YES, TWO PEOPLE DIED NEEDLESSLY, but who's to say what happened or why. YES, THE TRUTH WILL BE FOUND but until then one should not condemn. Kawiseguy apparently does not believe in GOD nor the POWER OF PRAYER. Where does he get off saying that these families do not need prayers??? What an IDIOTIC comment. He should make it a practice to attend services and open a bible...HE'D THEN SEE THAT GOD IS WAS AND ALWAYS WILL BE !! Yes, the families do need prayers and community support. Kawiseguy should stop trying to wage a war. Our PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE FAMILIES INVOLVED AND TO KAWISEGUY HE NEEDS A WHOLE DAMNED MORE ! "
kauai444 wrote on Jun 21, 2009 9:20 PM:
" my heart goes out to the families that have lost loved ones in this tragic accident . it was an ACCIDENT and lets leave it at that. i am sure the motorcyclist did not wake up that morning with intention to hurt anyone. people are quick to blame and im sure rumors are flying thru the coconut wireless. lets count our blessings and say a prayer for everyone that was involved in that accident. let us remember to drive with caution. live with peace in your heart. "
ibmrswoodie wrote on Jun 21, 2009 9:25 PM:
" I was with one of Scotties Relatives yesterday when she got the news about him passing on. It is devasting no to the family no matter who caused it, and no matter what happened. To speculate at this point, and pass judgement needs to wait until the investigate is completed. Right now as a community we need to be supportive for the families that have lost their loved ones. I also have sympothy for the young lady on the motorcycle because she will probably feel responsible for the rest of her life for the loss of two young lives.
God Bless these two families and have lost their family members. "
God Bless these two families and have lost their family members. "
tony wrote on Jun 21, 2009 9:35 PM:
" Just wondering why all names in the accident have been named except the motorcyclist? Why was her name left out of all of the reports. "
bellyb wrote on Jun 21, 2009 9:43 PM:
" Lower the speed limit, widen the road, make a shoulder, put a median up! Do something to prevent these deaths. Everytime I drive down that corridor of death with my daughter-which is often, I cringe. Come on now!
My family sends out all our love to those involved in this tragedy. "
My family sends out all our love to those involved in this tragedy. "
chillinhawngirl wrote on Jun 22, 2009 12:02 AM:
" An accident happens every minute of a day. If someone was wrong, then the investigation will prevail, until then please let the families mourn their lost without negative thoughts. Someone's point of view, utilizing words without thought first, can damage families forever. Blame placed on innocent people doesn't aid the situation, so please let the investigators do their job. Deepest Sympathy to the families. "
mys_prada wrote on Jun 22, 2009 7:47 AM:
" I gotta say, KPD impressed me, which doesn't happen that often. I agree completely with -YITZ- It is a MIRACLE that the biker is even alive. May God bring Peace and comfort to the families and friends involved and not so involved in that Accident. And Ron WIley did an AWESOME job, as usual, of keeping us Informed and UP to date the entire day... He kept saying that we are the Best when it comes to Citizen reports and keeping everyone informed.. I think it's because we are so Niele... and I appreciate everyones Nosieness... Just be safe.. AlOhA!! "
kygirl wrote on Jun 22, 2009 12:59 PM:
" the operator of the street bike doesn't have her name listed because she is a minor.
my sympathy goes out to the family members of those who were lost, and i pray that KPD
can actully solve a case and bring the families justice "
my sympathy goes out to the family members of those who were lost, and i pray that KPD
can actully solve a case and bring the families justice "
misty1 wrote on Jun 22, 2009 2:35 PM:
" Why should we change roads when the roads have been here for years? The roads haven't taken lives..humans have taken each others lives. Many a times i have driven those roads and have had careless, stupid individuals SPEEDING on that road. Not a care in the world for their safety and other peoples safety. Putting guardrails inbetween will not bring Scotty, Troy, or Wesley back, nor will it save other lives. It's the individuals behind the wheel. No one can get it in their thick skull that we live on an island and no matter how FAST you are going, you will still get there at the same time or maybe never. We all as individuals have to look beyond ourselves and when we make choices to get behind a wheel or a bike for that matter that we need to be RESPONSIBLE people. Don't SPEED, don't DRINK N' DRIVE and think of your consequences before you do anything. Your actions affect not only affect you but the world around you. Scotty was my family and i miss him dearly. How many more lives must we take! Does it have to be your family until you realize it? Or does it have to be YOU that take a life until you wake up and have to say ' I SORRY' and live with the regret the rest of your life. Drive with Aloha people!!!! "
crazy123 wrote on Jun 22, 2009 8:29 PM:
" RIP scotty boy. i havent seen him in a while and thanks to that one lady i NEVER WILL ever again. i heard that she was weaving through traffic. what a dummie. good she never die, now she has to live with the fact that shes the cause that to people lost their lives! that pisses me off. why does she get to walk a way with nothing but a few cuts and scrapes when because of her two families are suffering the loss of a loved one. she should be locked up in prison like a fish in a fish tank. "
AC wrote on Jun 24, 2009 7:55 AM:
" I have known Wes's family since before he was even born. That family would not want anyone to be hateful or mean about any of this. They know accidents happen and from the details of the tragic accident they know that it was Wes's time to be with the Lord.
I was feeling bad for the woman at first who did this, but when I read her side, I was sad and angered like many are. She blamed the rig driver. I know the truth will come out and I know that in the end she WILL answer to GOD for what she has done, as we all have to answer for our own mistakes or wrong doings. That is all that helps me get by with my feelings toward her knowing she will answer to GOD. I hope that in the end she will maybe serve some time to think about what she has done. My own nephew was on a bike and a woman turned in front of him killing him. She got nothing for it. No tickets, no nothing. Her excuse was that she was late for an appointment. She DIDNT get to the appointment but my family got to go to a funeral for a boy who was only 24 years old. Blaming wont bring anyone back, maybe we should be Praying also for that woman on the bike because she has to answer for the accident and for her story. Rest In Peace Wesley. We will meet again in Heaven someday! "
I was feeling bad for the woman at first who did this, but when I read her side, I was sad and angered like many are. She blamed the rig driver. I know the truth will come out and I know that in the end she WILL answer to GOD for what she has done, as we all have to answer for our own mistakes or wrong doings. That is all that helps me get by with my feelings toward her knowing she will answer to GOD. I hope that in the end she will maybe serve some time to think about what she has done. My own nephew was on a bike and a woman turned in front of him killing him. She got nothing for it. No tickets, no nothing. Her excuse was that she was late for an appointment. She DIDNT get to the appointment but my family got to go to a funeral for a boy who was only 24 years old. Blaming wont bring anyone back, maybe we should be Praying also for that woman on the bike because she has to answer for the accident and for her story. Rest In Peace Wesley. We will meet again in Heaven someday! "
yulikeno4 wrote on Jun 24, 2009 4:06 PM:
" OMG! My prayers go out to the families of this tragedy. I've just read some comments on "not to point fingers/not to blame anyone" but thats BS,tell me if you wouldnt pass judgment on someone who "initiated" the accident and cause you to lose a loved one? C'mon now, First of all If youre a Minor what the heck are you doing on a crotch rocket? and second of all if you dont know how to ride the damn thing, what the hell are you doing on the the road? May be it was a so called ACCIDENT but it could have been avoidable if these idiots learn to drive or ride with respect for others on the road. I've lost someone in a car accident which was mearly his fault and I hate to say this but s*** happens when you're messing around on that highway and its such a stab in the chest when someone dies cause of inconciderate actions. "
Sunny wrote on Jun 27, 2009 9:54 AM:
" I agree with B'z, this highway needs an upgrade. We've had enough accidents on this road, they either should put in a divider or reduce the speed limit to 30 MPH and place cameras like they have in California and take pictures of people speeding and send them tickets in the mail! It's just not worth it to speed, it's cliche but worth it: Arrive Alive!!! Nothing in life is so important that one needs to rush around our beautiful island:) "
ibmrswoodie wrote on Jun 27, 2009 10:20 AM:
" I posted a comment a few days ago, but after reading the motorcyclists account of what happened and her showing no sympothy or condolences for what happened, I am ashamed for her and her family. I can't believe that someone could be that heartless. What is wrong with people? "
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kymana808 wrote on Jun 20, 2009 4:47 PM: