Middletown– The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred in early November 2017 on DuPont Parkway (US RT 13) north of Pole Bridge Road.

The incident occurred at approximately  9:54 a.m. Thursday, November 2, 2017, as a 43-year-old Middletown man was operating a 2017 Honda CRV traveling northbound on US RT 13 in the left lane of travel. A 2005 Ford Escape driven by an 85-year-old Middletown man was also traveling northbound on US RT 13, directly behind the Honda. A third vehicle, a 2003 Ford F450 driven by a 28-year-old Middletown man was also traveling northbound on US RT 13, directly behind the Escape. The operator of the F450 failed to come to a stop and struck the rear of the Escape. The Escape was pushed forward, causing it to strike the rear of the Honda.

The 85-year-old operator of the Escape was identified as Robert L. Stevens. Stevens was removed from the scene and transported by EMS to the Christiana Hospital where he was admitted with serious injuries. Stevens later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead on Thursday, November 30, 2017.

The operator of the Honda CRV did not sustain any injuries as a result of this crash and was wearing his seatbelt. The operator of the F450 also did not sustain any injuries as a result of this crash and was wearing his seatbelt. He has initially been charged with following too closely. Impairment is not suspected as being a contributing factor in this crash.

The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing their investigation into this incident.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit/Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll free hotline 1800 VICTIM-1. (1800 842-8461). You may also email the unit Director at debra.reed@delaware.gov.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 120117 1348

-End-

Print This Page