Police believe speeding was a factor in a motorcycle crash that killed a 53-year-old Hilo woman Sunday afternoon in Puna.

Police identified the victim as Jill E. Peterson of Hilo.

Police said Peterson was traveling north on Kapoho-Pahoa Road near the 2-mile marker when she lost control of a 1999 Honda motorcycle, which ran off the right side of the road and hit a guardrail at about 2:55 p.m.

Police said Peterson died at the Hilo Medical Center from her injuries at 6:48 p.m.

Alcohol and drug use are not suspected in the crash. Peterson was not wearing a helmet, police said.

An autopsy will be performed to determine the exact cause of death.

The death is the 18th traffic fatality on Hawaii island this year, compared to 23 at the same time last year.