Police in Hawaii say a 13-year-old boy died following a rugged terrain vehicle crash in North Kona. Maxim Beregovoy was the passenger inside the vehicle, allegedly driven by an 8-year-old. The driver survived with only minor injuries. Tragically, Maxim died from injuries he received in the accident.
According to the Hawaii Police Department’s Facebook post, authorities need any witnesses to come forward with information regarding the crash. Sadly, the accident marks the 25th traffic fatality of the year, compared to 15 at the same time last year, police reported.
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The driver apparently veered off the road.
According to police, an 8-year-old male drove an orange Kubota RTV X900 in the 72-1000 block of Puukala Road. At some point, the driver “veered off the roadway, struck a rock embankment, and overturned,” the release on Facebook noted. Maxim was ejected from the vehicle.
Emergency crews took the teen to a hospital.
The accident occurred aout 5:45 p.m. October 22. Emergency responders took Maxim to Kona Community Hospital for treatment. According to police, hospital staff pronounced him dead at 7 p.m. The driver of the RTV suffered only minor injuries, and paramedics treated him at the scene and released him.
News of Maxim's death saddened the community.
Several people posted well-wishes and prayers for the Beregovoy family on the police department’s Facebook post.
“Sorry for the family, especially the mom. No mother should ever loose a child! Worst pain for the heart!” someone commented.
One person agreed, writing, “So sad my heartbreaks for the family. Seen the interview with the father of what happened. I can imagine the son 8 year old boy must feel so bad and the parents so sad.
“They live on a farm,” the person added. “Gosh you know when I was a little kid about that age so many of us kids that i knew drove in the coffee land with our family old jeeps or trucks. Teach um young work hard work on the farm. So sad!!”
Still, some think there should be stiffer regulations on recreational vehicles, such as this person who wrote, “ATV’s should not be on public roads and especially not operated by an 8 year old.. going downhill on a narrow road. I pray for the Ohana and to keep the rest of their keiki safe.”
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Maxim's loved ones created a GoFundMe account for his family.
According to the fundraiser, Maxim was the eldest of seven siblings ranging in age from 12 years old to just 11 days old.
“His hobbies included exploring the great outdoors, doing science experiments, and designing projects that let him learn and satisfy his genuine curiosity,” organizer Anna Beregovoy wrote. “He will be missed terribly, as everyone who knew him loved him dearly. There will be a funeral service commemorating his life soon; all funds gifted to help with the cost will be greatly appreciated.”
The page has raised more than $18,000 of its $35,000 goal thus far.
Police ask witnesses to contact Officer Adam Roberg at 808-326-4646, ext. 229, or email at [email protected]. Those wanting to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 808-961-8300.