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Delaware State Police

Superintendent Colonel Melissa Zebley


Collision Reconstruction Unit Investigating August 2nd Fatal Crash


Date Posted: Saturday, August 12th, 2017

Fatal Crash Silverside Rd

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Wilmington (19810) – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal crash after a 63-year-old man died from injuries in an August 2nd crash.

The initial investigation revealed the collision occurred around 10:36 a.m. Wednesday August 2, 2017 as a 21-year-old Wilmington man was operating a 2006 Mercury Mountaineer northbound in the parking of Shoppes of Graylyn stopped at the stop sign attempting to turn left to travel westbound on Silverside Road.  Dennis R. Smith, 63 of Claymont, was operating at 2006 Mercury Milan eastbound on Silverside Road approaching stopped traffic west of the exit at Shoppes of Graylyn and Marsh Road.  Smith crossed the double-yellow center line of eastbound Silverside Rd and passed stopped vehicles on the left to enter the left turn lane for northbound Marsh Road. Vehicles in the straight through lane of eastbound Silverside Road left space open to allow vehicles to exit from the shopping center and when the Mountaineer began to turn left for westbound Silverside Road, the Milan collided with left front corner of the Mountaineer.

Dennis Smith, who was not properly restrained, was removed from the scene by EMS and transported to Christiana Medical Center where he was admitted with serious injuries.  He died as a result of his injuries on Thursday August 10, 2017.

The 21-year-old male was slightly injured, but refused medical treatment at the scene.

The Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing their investigation into this incident.  Alcohol and drugs are not contributing factors in this case.

Released: 081217 0850

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