Smyrna- The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a crash that has turned fatal.

The incident occurred on July 20, 2019 at approximately 3:19 a.m., when a 2015 Freightliner Tractor was stopped in the left turn lane of southbound US RT 13 waiting to make a left turn into the Smyrna Rest Area. A 2012 Buick Verano was traveling southbound on US RT 13 approaching the tractor trailer’s location.  For unknown reasons the front of the Verano struck the rear of the tractor trailer, causing it’s front end to be lodged underneath the tractor trailer.

The operator of the tractor trailer, a 23-year-old male from Levittown, PA was properly restrained.  He was transported to the Bayhealth Kent General Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The operator of the Verano, a 40-year-old female from Newark, DE was properly restrained.  She was transported to the Christiana Hospital with serious injuries.  On July 21, 2019 she succumbed to her injuries.  Her name is being withheld at this time pending the notification of next of kin.

US RT 13 southbound was closed for approximately 2 hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.

The crash continues to remain under investigation by the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit.

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 Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released:072219 1147

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