A Kihei resident has died following a serious moped crash that occurred last week in South Maui. Kenneth Gricus, 62, passed away on the morning of Monday, June 2, 2025, five days after being hospitalized for injuries sustained in the wreck.
The accident took place around 9:52 am on Tuesday, May 28, near the intersection of Liloa Drive and Piikea Avenue. According to investigators, Mr. Gricus had been riding a 2022 YN moped northbound on Liloa Drive. As he approached a roundabout, he reportedly lost control and struck a raised curb near a crosswalk. The impact caused him to be ejected from the moped and thrown onto the roadway.
Emergency responders transported him to Maui Memorial Medical Center, where he was initially listed in stable condition. Tragically, his condition worsened over the following days, and he succumbed to his injuries on June 2.
Maui police confirmed that Gricus was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. They also noted that speed did not appear to be a contributing factor, though the investigation is still underway.
If your loved one was injured or killed in a moped or motorcycle crash, call Singleton Schreiber to learn more about your legal options.
How Road Hazards and Helmet Use Can Affect Moped Safety
While early reports indicated that Kenneth Gricus lost control of his moped near a roundabout, questions remain about what caused the crash. Sudden changes in elevation, uneven curbs, poorly marked crosswalks, or even debris in the road can create dangerous conditions for moped riders, especially in areas with narrow lanes or confusing infrastructure.
Even a slight design flaw or lack of maintenance can be enough to cause a rider to lose balance, particularly at low speeds when navigating features like roundabouts or raised curbs. In such cases, the condition of the roadway could play a significant role in determining liability.
The fact that Mr. Gricus was not wearing a helmet may have increased the severity of his injuries. While Hawaii does not require helmets for all moped riders over 18, medical experts consistently agree that helmets significantly reduce the risk of traumatic brain injury and death in single-vehicle crashes.
“Cases like this one are often more complex than they appear at first glance,” says Brett Schreiber, managing partner at Singleton Schreiber. “Families deserve to know whether a dangerous roadway, lack of signage, or other preventable factors contributed to their loved one’s death. We work hard to uncover the full story and fight for the accountability they deserve.”
Legal Options for the Family of Keneth Gricus
When a fatal crash occurs, grieving families may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim to pursue compensation for medical bills, funeral expenses, and the long-term emotional and financial loss of a loved one.
If further investigation reveals that a defective roadway, poor maintenance, or inadequate signage played a role in the crash, there may be grounds for legal action against one or more parties. Potentially liable entities could include:
- The city or county of Maui – if the road design was hazardous or if the area had been reported as unsafe and not properly maintained
- A private contractor of a construction firm– if recent work in the area created unsafe conditions or failed to meet safety standards
- A product manufacturer, if the moped had a mechanical defect that caused the crash
A thorough investigation will help to determine exactly what went wrong and whether compensation may be available.
If you’ve lost a loved one in a similar crash, speaking with a knowledgeable attorney can help protect your rights and begin the process of holding the responsible parties accountable. Call Singleton Schreiber today to learn more.
