Delaware State Police
News Release

Early Morning Crash Claims New York Man’s Life

Released Saturday, May 31, 2008

Fenwick Island – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating an early morning crash that killed a New Windsor, New York man. Police responded to the single car crash this morning at 7:02 am on SR 1 (Coastal Hwy) in the area of Lewes Street.

Investigators learned a 2003 Chevy 4-door pick-up, operated by Louis Lodini, 52 of Stoneys Point, NY, was traveling southbound on SR 1 when for an unknown reason it left the west edge of the roadway and struck a curb and a utility pole. The impact occurred on the right front passenger side. After striking the pole, the truck rolled over onto the driver’s side and came to rest.

Because of the crash, the right front passenger, Frederick Lodini, 69 of New Windsor, NY, was killed. He was believed to have been wearing a seatbelt. Two additional passengers were injured: The right rear passenger, Matthew Mencher, 22 of Stoneys Point, NY, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was flown to PRMC in Salisbury and later transferred to Baltimore Shock Trauma where he is in critical condition. The left rear passenger, John Lodini, 22 of Stoneys Point, NY, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was taken to PRMC in Salisbury where he was treated and released for minor injuries.

The operator, Louis Lodini, was flown to Christiana Hospital where he is in critical condition. Seatbelt use on Louis Lodini is unknown at this time. Alcohol is not considered a factor. Due to the crash the roadway was closed for approximately 4 ½ hours. It has since been reopened. The crash remains under investigation.  

Note: the passenger killed was the uncle of the operator and John Lodini is the son of the operator.

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