Presented by the Director of Public Information Sergeant Richard D. Bratz

Middletown, DE – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit are investigating a fatal motorcycle crash that occurred yesterday evening north of Middletown.

The preliminary investigation has determined the incident occurred on Friday, September 16, 2016 at 5:18 p.m., as a 2016 Toyota Camry operated by Cecilia R. Tucker, 51 of Wilmington, was stopped in the driveway of a business located on Summit Bridge Road which is located on the northbound side of US 301 south of its intersection with Armstrong Corner Road and Marl Pit Road. The Toyota Camry was facing west and was waiting for US 301 traffic to clear in order to make a left turn onto US 301 southbound.  US 301 northbound traffic was beginning to back up due to the traffic signal north of this location at Armstrong Corner Road and Marl Pit Road.  An unknown motorist on US 301 northbound stopped to allow the Toyota Camry to cross the northbound travel lane and make the left onto US 301 southbound.  The Toyota Camry proceeded to make the left turn onto US 301 southbound.  A 2015 BMW K48 motorcycle, operated by David R. Reed, 55 of Middletown, was traveling southbound on US 301 from the Armstrong Corner Road and Marl Pit Road intersection. The Toyota Camry pulled into the path of the motorcycle and the motorcycle struck the right side of the Camry. The motorcycle fell to its side causing the operator to be ejected from the motorcycle. The motorcycle slid in a southwesterly direction across a private driveway located on Summit Bridge Road and came to rest on its side in a grassy area to the south of this private driveway.

David F. Reed, 55 of Middletown, was wearing a helmet, was airlifted by the Delaware State Police Aviation Unit to the Christiana Hospital Trauma Center where he was pronounced deceased. Alcohol is not considered a contributing factor in this collision on the part of either operator. Speed at this point in the investigation does not appear to be a contributing factor.

Cecilia R. Tucker, 51 of Wilmington, was properly restrained and did not sustain any injuries as a result of this collision.

The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing their investigation into this incident. US 301 southbound beginning at its intersection with Armstrong Corner Road and Marl Pit Road was closed for approximately two hours while the collision was investigated and cleared.

Released: 091716 0741

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**Traffic Advisory**

Middletown, De.- Delaware State Police are currently investigating a serious crash involving a motorcycle.

The initial investigation has determined that the crash occurred at approximately 5:18 p.m. today, Friday, September 16, 2016 on Summit Bridge Road near Armstrong Corner Road, Middletown.

All lanes are currently closed at this time. Motorists should expect delays and are asked to find alternate routes of travel.

More details will be released at the conclusion of the investigation.

Released: 091616 1801

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