Troopers Investigate Single Vehicle Fatal Crash Southwest of Laurel

Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Laurel, DE – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a single vehicle crash that killed one person.

The incident occurred around 9:21 p.m. Sunday June 5, 2016 as Alvaro De Jesus Garcia, 31 of Laurel, was operating a 2009 Nissan Altima eastbound on Sharptown Road (SR24) approaching the intersection with Mt Pleasant Road. The Altima was traveling at an apparent high rate of speed and failed to negotiate a moderate left curve, exiting the roadway and traveling down an embankment where it struck a utility pole.  It continued to sideswipe one tree and then another tree before violently rotating and re-entering the roadway where it came to a stop.

Alvaro De Jesus Garcia was not properly restrained and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Henry Ortiz Escalante, 19 of Laurel, was an unrestrained front seat passenger and was ejected from the vehicle. He was transported by EMS to Nanticoke Memorial Hospital where he was admitted with serious injuries.

The Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing their investigation into this incident. It is unknown if alcohol was a factor in this case.  SR24 between Mt Pleasant Road and Ellis Grove Road was closed for approximately three hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.

Released: 060616 0700

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