Presented by the Director of Public Information Sergeant Richard D. Bratz
Townsend, DE- Delaware State Police is investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred last evening east of Townsend.
The preliminary investigation has determined the crash occurred on Saturday, June 04, 2016 at approximately 7:10 p.m., as Tanner Calder, 22 of Townsend, was operating a 2002 Dodge Dakota westbound on Blackbird Landing Road two miles east of US 13. For unknown reasons, the Dakota drifted off the north right side of the roadway and into some mud and tall grass. The vehicle continued to travel westbound with the right side of the vehicle off the roadway and the left side of the vehicle on the roadway. The front and undercarriage of the vehicle struck a drainage culvert on Blackbird Landing Road. The vehicle continued and then struck two trees before overturning and landing of its roof.
Tanner Calder was transported by the Delaware State Police Aviation Unit to the Christiana Hospital Trauma Center with life threatening injuries. It is unknown if Calder was wearing his seatbelt. Speed and alcohol appear to be contributing factors in the collision.
Logan Banks, 20 of Middletown, a passenger in the vehicle was pronounced deceased at the scene. Banks was wearing his seatbelt.
This crash remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit. Charges are pending the outcome of the investigation.
Blackbird Landing Road was closed in both directions for approximately 2.5 hours while the collision was investigated.
Released: 060516 0941
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**Traffic Advisory**
Troopers Investigating Fatal Motor Vehicle Crash
Townsend, DE- Delaware State Police are currently investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred this evening in Townsend.
The initial investigation has determined that the crash occurred at approximately 7:10 p.m. today, Saturday, June 04, 2016 on Blackbird Landing Road in the area of US Rt. 13, Townsend, and involves a single vehicle. As a result of the crash an adult male subject has died.
Blackbird Landing Road between Union Church Road and US Rt. 13 has been closed to traffic and commuters are asked to find alternate routes of travel.
The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit has responded to the scene of the crash and has assumed the investigation. More details will be released at the conclusion of the investigation.
Released: 060416 2011
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