Update #1- DSP News Release: Sunday, February 22, 2009- State Police Probe Fatal Crash on South Union Church

Sussex County- Detectives have completed their initial investigation into this crash. 

A 2007 Chevrolet Silverado (operated by Carlos R. Garcia-Ortiz, 24, of Ellendale), was traveling northbound on South Union Church Road, south of SR16, Ellendale Greenwood Highway, when the operator lost control and went off of the right side of the roadway and struck a row of trees.  The vehicle veered back onto the roadway and began to rotate at which time the operator was ejected.  The truck went back off of the right side of the road and ended up in a ditch adjacent to the roadway. 

Emergency personnel arrived on the scene and pronounced the passenger, who was still in the truck, dead at the scene.  She was identified as Laura E. Rosario, 40 of Ellendale. 

Drug impairment is believed to be a factor in this crash on the part of Mr. Garcia-Ortiz.  He was transported from the scene to Milford Memorial Hospital.  He is expected to remain in hospital care for several days, and upon his release, he will face the following charges: Vehicular Homicide 2^nd, DUI, No Valid License, and No Valid Insurance.

The roadway was closed for approximately 3 hours.

DSP News Release: Sunday, February 22, 2009- State Police Probe Fatal Crash on South Union Church

Location of Incident:  South Union Church Road in the area of Beach Highway, west of Ellendale, Delaware, Sussex County

Date and Time of Occurrence: Sunday, February 22, 2009, at approximately 4:17 a.m.

Resume:  Members of the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit are currently investigating a fatal crash which occurred this morning on South Union Church Road in the area of Beach Highway. 

Preliminary reports indicate one subject is deceased with another injured. 

A more complete release will be provided later today when the details surrounding the crash are known and confirmed.