***Updated Release Information*** August 8, 2011 @ 9:00 p.m.

DSP News Release:  Fatal Motorcycle Crash DE#896 at Four Seasons Parkway

Location:

·         South College Avenue (DE#896) at Four Seasons Parkway, Newark

Date of Occurrence:  

·         Monday, August 8, 2011 2:35 p.m.

Operators/Vehicle Information:

·         Operator#1:  Johnathan O’Neill, 23, Newark, DE

·         Vehicle #1:  2002 Suzuki GXR Motorcycle

·         Operator#2:  Donald Desanctis, 21, Holmes, PA

·         Vehicle#2:  2008 Chevrolet 5500/Tow Truck (Rollback)

Resume:

Newark-The Delaware State Police Crash Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal crash involving a motorcycle that occurred this afternoon,

The crash occurred at approximately 2:35 p.m. this afternoon as Donald Desanctis, 21, of Holmes, Pa was operating a 2008 Chevrolet 5500/Tow Truck, traveling DE#896 southbound approaching the Intersection of Four Seasons Parkway in the left turn lane.  Desanctis made the left turn to travel onto Old Cooches Bridge Road, crossing the northbound lanes of DE#896, into the path of a 2002 Suzuki GXR Motorcycle traveling northbound DE#896 at a high rate of speed, operated by Johnathan O’Neill, 23, of Newark, DE.  The front of the motorcycle struck the passenger side rear of the tow truck and burst into flames.  O’Neill was ejected from the motorcycle onto the roadway.

O’Neill sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.  Preliminary investigation indicates that he was not wearing a helmet.

Desanctis was the sole occupant of the tow truck and was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.  He was not injured. 

Preliminary investigation does not indicate that alcohol was a factor in the crash.  The status of the traffic lights for both vehicles is under investigation, with charges pending the conclusion of the investigation.

DE#896 in both directions between US#40 and Old Baltimore Pike was shut down for approximately 3 hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.

The Delaware State Police Crash Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate the crash and requests anyone who may have witnessed the crash to contact the Delaware State Police CRU at 302-834-2620 Ext. 278 with information.

Released: 080811 2100