William Joseph Simao Obituary: 55-Year-Old Hilo Motorcyclist Killed in Daniel K. Inouye Highway Collision

HILO, Hawaiʻi — William Joseph Simao, a 55-year-old Hilo man, has died following a devastating head-on collision involving a vehicle and two motorcycles on Daniel K. Inouye Highway, as authorities continue investigating the crash and the circumstances that led to his death.

The collision happened on September 5, 2026, at approximately 3:07 p.m. near the highway’s 46-mile marker. According to the Hawaiʻi Police Department, light rain, wet pavement and thick fog were present at the time, significantly reducing visibility.

Investigators determined that a blue 2023 Tesla operated by 39-year-old Jeremy Alexander Fleming of Hilo was traveling westbound when Fleming attempted to pass several vehicles by entering the eastbound lane. The Tesla collided with Simao’s gray 2020 Harley-Davidson motorcycle, which then struck another motorcycle traveling in the same direction.

Simao sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene shortly before 4 p.m. The second motorcyclist, a 35-year-old Hilo man, suffered significant injuries and was transported to North Hawaiʻi Community Hospital before being medically evacuated to The Queen’s Medical Center on Oʻahu.

Fleming was treated for minor injuries before being arrested following his release from the hospital. Police charged him with manslaughter, second-degree negligent homicide and first-degree negligent injury. His bail was set at $400,000, and authorities said he remained in custody after being unable to post bail.

The highway was closed for several hours while investigators processed the scene, and all vehicles involved were secured as evidence.

For those who knew William Joseph Simao, his sudden death marks a painful loss. As the investigation continues, family, friends and fellow members of the Hilo community are left to remember his life and mourn a motorcyclist whose journey ended tragically on the island’s highway.

William Joseph Simao will be remembered by those closest to him as authorities continue working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the fatal collision.