The Hawaii Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation on Thursday announced that an escaped inmate on the Garden Island died from injuries sustained in an alleged hit-and-run.

Matthew Ornellas scaled the Kauai Community Correctional Center outer perimeter during the early morning hours Friday, officials said.

Correctional officers pursued him on foot but lost sight of him after he entered a dense brush area, according to the department.

“Shortly afterward, correctional officers heard a loud sound from the roadway,” a press release explained. “Officers then observed a dark-colored vehicle making a U-turn on the Kuhio Highway, accelerating toward Kapaa.”

Ornellas was found lying next to a roadside ditch with serious injuries. He was taken by ambulance to Wilcox Medical Center where he was pronounced dead earlier Thursday.

Ornellas, a minimum custody inmate, was serving time for promoting a dangerous drug in the third degree, a class C felony.

Police reports have been filed on the escape and death, according to the department, and an internal investigation into the escape continues.

“The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation extends its heartfelt condolences to Ornellas’ family and loved ones,” said DCR Director Tommy Johnson.