DSP News Release: Troopers Investigate Serious Crash SR 1, Odessa

Location:

• SR 1 southbound at Drawyers Creek, Odessa, DE

Date of Occurrence:

• Wednesday, October 26, 2011 at 11:40 p.m.

Operators/Vehicles:

• Operator 1: Charles E. Debnam-40 of Claymont, DE (Unrestrained/admitted in serious condition)
• Vehicle 1: 1997 GMC Jimmy SUV

• Operator 2: Stephanie Shomper-23 of Smyrna, DE (Properly restrained/not injured)
• Vehicle 2: 2009 Nissan Versa

Resume

Odessa-The Delaware State Police are investigating a serious crash involving two vehicles that occurred late last night on SR 1 in the area of Drawyers Creek.

Preliminary investigation indicates that the crash occurred at approximately 11:40 p.m. as Charles E. Debnam-40 of Claymont, was operating a 1997 GMC Jimmy, traveling SR 1 southbound in the right lane.  A 2009 Nissan Versa being operated by Stephanie Shomper-23 of Smyrna was traveling SR 1 southbound in the left lane. The vehicles collided with the Nissan Versa’s front passenger side and the GMC Jimmy’s front driver’s side making contact.  After the collision the GMC Jimmy traveled across the southbound lanes of SR 1 into the center median overturning several times.  Debnam was ejected from the vehicle and landed on the grass median.  The Versa continued southbound and came to rest on the right shoulder.

Charles E. Debnam was transported by the Delaware State Police Aviation Helicopter Trooper 4 to the Christiana Hospital Trauma Center and admitted in critical condition

Stephanie Shomper was not injured and declined medical treatment.

SR 1 southbound was closed for approximately 2 hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.

The Delaware State Police continue to investigate this crash with charges pending the conclusion of the investigation.

Released: 101711 1100