Wilmington, Delaware (19808)– The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing to investigate a fatal motor vehicle crash involving a pedestrian that occurred Friday evening.

The initial investigation has determined the incident occurred at approximately 7:09 p.m., Friday, June 21, 2019, as a pedestrian, 23-year-old female of New Jersey, approached the intersection on Faulkland from the east side of Newport Gap Pike (DE 41).  She initially stopped for the red traffic control signal that permits her to cross DE41 from the east to the west side. She stood within the construction zone next to the construction barrels. As she waited, there were two vehicles to her right on southbound Newport Gap Pike stopped for the red traffic control signal as well. The light sequence at this location reflects a red light for the pedestrian and also for the southbound traffic on Newport Gap Pike. However, the light was green for northbound traffic on Newport Gap Pike. Unaware of the traffic light sequence at this specific intersection, the operator of the first vehicle physically gestured the pedestrian to cross in front of their vehicle because they also had a red light. The pedestrian then acknowledged the operator’s hand signal and entered the roadway without looking to her left for the northbound traffic, which had the green light. Due to the construction zone, the pedestrian’s first steps placed her directly into the northbound lane. At the same time, a Ford E-350 passenger van approached the intersection towards the green traffic control signal and continued northbound into the intersection. The front right side of the vehicle struck the pedestrian.

The 23-year old pedestrian, Allie R. Zambito, was pronounced deceased at the scene as a result of her injuries.

The 45-year-old male driver of Pennsylvania immediately pulled over to the shoulder. He was wearing his seatbelt. The vehicle was also occupied by four teenage females, ranging from ages 15 to 17 years old. They were returning to their residence in Pennsylvania. No injuries reported. Neither speed nor alcohol on the part of the driver was deemed contributing factors in this collision investigation.

Newport Gap Pike was closed for approximately two and a half hours while the scene was investigated and cleared.

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.

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Presented by the Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz

Released:062219 0554

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