***UPDATE-Victim’s Name Released***

Resume:

New Castle: The Delaware State Police Crash Reconstruction Unit has identified the victim of the July 23, 2011 crash that occurred on Airport Road in New Castle as Alphonzo Stewart, 32, of New Castle, DE.

This crash remains under investigation at this time.

Released Monday, July 25, 2011 at 4:00 p.m.

DSP News Release:  Troopers Probe Fatal Motor Vehicle Crash

Location: Southbound Airport Road approximately 200 ft. south of Commons Boulevard, New Castle, DE

Date of Occurrence:  Saturday, July 23, 2011 at 10:35 p.m.

Operators/Vehicles:

Operator #1: Rose Thomas, 29, Wilmington, DE

Vehicle #1: 2001 Jeep Cherokee

Operator #2: John Zutell, 42, New Castle, DE

Vehicle #2: 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier

Victim: 32 year old New Castle, DE man

Resume:   

New Castle- The Delaware State Police Crash Reconstruction Unit is currently investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash in which a pedestrian was killed which occurred late last night.

The accident happened at approximately 10:35 p.m. as John Zutell, 42, of New Castle, DE was operating a 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier and was traveling on southbound Airport Road just south of Commons Boulevard in New Castle. Zutell came upon a 2001 Jeep Cherokee that had become disabled after running out of gas in the right hand lane of southbound Airport Road. The operator of the vehicle, Rose Thomas, 29, and her boyfriend, a 32 year old New Castle, DE man, were standing along the left hand side of the Jeep Cherokee as they attempted to pour gasoline into the car’s gas tank. John Zutell attempted to enter the left hand lane of travel in order to pass the Jeep, however, another vehicle was occupying the lane and Zutell could not completely enter the left lane. The right side of Zutell’s vehicle struck both Rose Thomas and the 32 year old male, throwing them into the roadway. John Zutell stopped his vehicle a short distance away.

Rose Thomas and the 32 year old victim were both transported from the scene by EMS to the Christiana Hospital where the victim was pronounced dead from his injuries. His body was turned over to the Delaware Medical Examiner’s Office where an autopsy will be performed to determine the exact cause of death. The victim’s name is being withheld pending the notification of the next of kin. Rose Thomas was admitted to the Christiana Hospital where she is currently being treated for her serious injuries. John Zutell was not injured.

This crash remains under investigation at this time. No further details are available at this point.

Released Sunday, July 24, 2011 at 8:20 a.m.