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

Middletown, DE- The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is currently investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash that has claimed the life of a Wilmington man which occurred early this morning north of Middletown.

The initial investigation has determined the crash occurred at approximately 4:56 a.m. today, October 30, 2016, as Donald K. Phipps, 54 of Wilmington, was operating a 2014 Toyota Corolla and was traveling north on DE. Route 896. For an unknown reason, his vehicle left the west side of the road and crossed over the median and the southbound lanes of DE Rt. 896 in the area of Bethel Church Road. The Toyota Corolla continued in a northwesterly direction off of the road until its left front struck a large tree. The vehicle rotated approximately 90 degrees counterclockwise after the impact and continued a short distance from the tree coming to a stop off the road facing in a westerly direction.

Donald K. Phipps, 54 of Wilmington, who was wearing his seatbelt, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

There was no road closure at this collision as the crash was investigated and cleared. This crash remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit.

Released: 103016 1001

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