Delaware State Police
News Release

Charges Filed in October ’08 Fatal Crash that Killed 3 Year old Child

 

Released Tuesday, March 17, 2009

 

Seaford – The Delaware State Police have arrested Marcella L. Nichols, 45 of Seaford, for one count of Death by Motor Vehicle (traffic offense) for her involvement in the October 18 fatal crash that killed Alexis Downes, 3 of Laurel.  Ms. Nichols was arrested yesterday and released on a $50.00 unsecured bond.

 

Investigators previously arrested Lacey I. Rash on March 6, 2009 for a single count of a child restraint violation.  She was released on her own recognizance.

 

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Fatal Car Crash Claims the Life of a 2-Year-Old Child

 

Released- Sunday, October 19, 2008

 

Seaford- On Saturday, October 18^th, at approximately 7:00 p.m., Troopers were called to the area of Route 13 southbound at Bethel Concord Road (in the vicinity of the Frederick Ford Dealership) for the report of a fatal crash

 

A 2004 Oldsmobile Alero (operated by Marcella Nichols, 45, of Seaford) was westbound from Bethel Concord Road (east side of US 13) crossing over southbound US 13 traveling towards westbound O’Neal’s Road (west side of US 13).  The east and westbound crossover of US 13 is controlled by a yield sign. 

 

A 1996 Chrysler Sebring (operated by Lacey Rash, 22, of Laurel) was southbound on US 13 in the right lane approaching the above listed crossover area. 

 

The Alero failed to yield right of way and pulled into the path of the Sebring resulting in the impact.  After colliding, both vehicles came to a stop off of the roadway to the south of O’Neal’s Road and west of US 13. 

 

A 2-year-old female child was ejected from the Sebring during the collision and was pronounced deceased at Nanticoke Memorial Hospital from injuries related to the crash.  She was positioned in the left rear seat and her seatbelt use is unknown.

 

Oldsmobile:

• Operator: Marcella Nichols of Seaford DE, treated and released at Nanticoke Memorial Hospital for contusions. 
• Right front passenger-1 Joy Mann, 27, of Seaford DE, treated and released at Nanticoke Memorial Hospital for contusions.

 

Sebring:

• Operator: Lacey Rash of Laurel was treated and released at PRMC for contusions. 
• Right front passenger-1 Gail Rash, 45, of Laurel was treated and released at PRMC for contusions and facial lacerations.
• Rear center passenger Candence James, 3, of Laurel DE treated and released at PRMC for contusions. 
• Right rear passenger Dakota Meyers, 1, of Laurel DE, treated and released at PRMC for contusions. 

 

This crash remains under investigation.  The seatbelt use of all of the involved juveniles is still being determined.  No charges have been filed.