Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier 

Newark- The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is currently investigating a fatal crash involving a pedestrian on I95 that occurred early last evening.

Preliminary investigation indicates the incident occurred around 7:52 p.m. Friday September 2, 2016 as Melinda Rodriguez, 26 of Patterson, New York, was operating a 2004 Toyota Corolla southbound on Interstate 95 in the left center lane approximately one mile south of the service area.  Lenny Crosland, 47 of Newark, DE, was operating a 2010 Mercury Mountaineer southbound on I95 directly behind the Corolla.  A pedestrian, who was wearing dark colored clothing, was attempting to cross I95 from west to east and entered into the path of the Toyota.  Rodriguez slammed on her brakes in an attempt to avoid colliding with the female pedestrian just as the Mountaineer struck the rear of the Corolla and pushed her forward into the female pedestrian.  The pedestrian was then struck by several other unknown vehicles and pronounced dead at the scene.

The female pedestrian was removed from the scene by the Delaware Division of Forensic Science to determine her identification.

Melinda Rodriguez, who was properly restrained, was transported by EMS to Christiana Medical Center where she was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Lenny Crosland along with a female passenger, were both properly restrained and uninjured in the crash.

The Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing their investigation into this incident.  Drugs and alcohol were not a contributing factor on behalf of either driver.  I95 southbound between Exit 1 and Exit 3 was reduced to one lane for approximately three hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.

Released: 090316 0650

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**Original Release**

**Traffic Advisory** Troopers Investigating Fatal Pedestrian Crash – I95, Newark

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier 

Newark- The Delaware State Police are currently on the scene of a fatal motor vehicle crash on I95 southbound between SR273 and Exit 1 that  occurred around 7:52 p.m. this evening.

Preliminary investigation indicates the incident involves a pedestrian that has died as a result of the crash. The State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is currently enroute to the scene and will assume the investigation.

I95 southbound, north of Exit 1 currently has one lane open.  Commuters are advised to seek alternate routes of travel.

Further details will be released upon the conclusion of the investigation. 

Released: 090216 2025

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