Share this @internewscast.com

LIHUE, Hawaii — A man who escaped from a Hawaii jail and was struck by a vehicle soon after died Thursday from his injuries, authorities said.

Matthew J. Ornellas Jr. was seriously hurt in a hit-and-run after he fled from Kauai Community Correctional Center just after 1 a.m. last Friday, the Hawaii Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said.

He scaled a fence with razor wire, and correctional officers gave chase but lost sight of him when he entered a dense brush area, officials said.

Soon afterward they heard a loud sound from the road and found him lying next to Kuhio Highway, about 100 yards (90 meters) away from the jail. An ambulance transported him to a hospital, where he remained in serious condition and in custody. His condition deteriorated and he was pronounced dead Thursday.

Ornellas, 33, was a minimum-security inmate serving time for a drug conviction, officials said.

The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said it is continuing to investigate the escape.

Orenellas was hit as he was running north in the southbound lane of Kuhio Highway, Kauai police said. Police are searching for the driver, who left the scene before first responders arrived.

A public defender who represented Ornellas for a probation violation declined previously to comment on the escape.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

World Leaders Pay Tribute to Pope Francis Following His Passing

Tributes to Pope Francis poured in on Monday, as presidents, prime ministers…

Ukrainian Leader Zelenskyy Claims Russia Falsely Signals Ceasefire Amid Ongoing Attacks

KYIV, Ukraine — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia on Sunday of…

Earth Day 2025: Simple Ways to Discuss Climate Change with Children, Get Ready for Illinois Weather Disasters and More

CHICAGO (WLS) — Tuesday is Earth Day. The first observance was April…

Pope Francis, Beloved Leader of the Catholic Church, Passes Away at 88

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis, history’s first Latin American pontiff who charmed…

Understanding the Traditions and Ceremonies Following Pope Francis’ Passing and His Funeral

VATICAN CITY — The death of a pope sets in motion a…

Exploring Chicago? Don’t Miss the American Prophets Series at the American Writers Museum for Acclaimed Fiction Authors

CHICAGO (WLS) — The American Writers Museum is excited to announce its…

National Geographic’s ‘Secrets of the Penguins’ Explores New Depths with Explorer Bertie Gregory

LOS ANGELES — In celebration of Earth Month, National Geographic is giving…

Lil Durk Seeks Dismissal of Alleged Murder-for-Hire Case Linked to Quando Rondo Incident and King Von’s Death

CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago rap star Lil Durk is pushing to have…

Two Dead, One Critically Injured in South Austin Car Crash: Chicago Police Report

CHICAGO (WLS) — A serious West Side crash left two men dead…

Reflecting on Pope Francis’s 2015 Visit to the U.S.: Highlights from Philadelphia, New York, and Washington

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — For six days in September 2015, Pope Francis made…

Real Estate Agent Austin Chronister Allegedly Involved in ‘Sex Trafficking’ Scheme in Milwaukee’s Concordia Neighborhood

MILWAUKEE — A real estate agent is being accused of running a…

Second Signal Chat Shows Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth Discusses Yemen Strikes with Relatives, According to ABC News Sources

Department of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shared details about an imminent attack…