Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Hartly – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a single vehicle fatal crash that claimed the life of a woman early this morning.

Preliminary investigation suggests the incident occurred around 1:30 a.m., Tuesday July 18, 2017, as Melinda G. Foraker, 42 of Hartly, was operating a 1998 Honda Civic westbound on Halltown Road (SR8), just west of Hartly Road (SR44) approaching a slight curve.  The operator failed to negotiate the curve and traveled off the north side of the roadway striking a large pine tree with its right rear quarter panel. This collision forced the Civic to rotate clockwise and continue in a westerly direction, striking a mailbox, and then colliding with another large pine tree with its left front fender.  The car redirected off the second large pine tree, while continuing a clockwise rotation, coming to a stop facing east along the westbound shoulder of SR8.

Melinda Foraker was not properly restrained and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing their investigation into this incident.  Speed may have been a contributing factor although it is unknown if alcohol or drugs were factors in this crash. Halltown Road between Hartly Road and Brittney Lane was closed for approximately four hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.

Released: 071817 0845

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