Rehoboth Beach, Delaware – The Delaware State Police are investigating a serious crash involving a bicyclist that took place on southbound Coastal Highway (SR 1) south of John J. Williams Highway (SR 24) at the entrance to the Royal Farms convenience store.

The preliminary investigation has determined the collision occurred at approximately 8:15 p.m., Sunday, August 11, 2019, as a 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe operated by a 48-year-old man of Rehoboth Beach was traveling eastbound through the parking lot of the Royal Farms service station located at 18904 Coastal Highway. The driver intended to enter the southbound travel lanes of Coastal Highway. Prior to exiting the parking lot, the Tahoe came to a complete stop while allowing several vehicles to pass by on Coastal Highway. While waiting to exit the parking lot, a bicycle was traveling northbound in the southbound bike lane of Coastal Highway approaching the entrance to the Royal Farms. The bicycle passed in front of the entrance to the Royal Farms at the same time the driver of the Tahoe pulled forward onto Coastal Highway. As a result, the front of the vehicle impacted the left side of the bicycle and caused it to overturn onto its right side. As the bicycle overturned, the bicyclist was fully ejected from the bike. The vehicle traveled in a southeasterly direction for a distance before coming to a controlled stop in the middle of southbound Coastal Highway.

The bicycle operator was initially transported by ambulance to Beebe Medical Center. She was later airlifted to the Christina Hospital where she is being treated for head trauma. She was not wearing a helmet at the time of the collision. The victim’s bicycle was equipped with both a front headlight and rear taillight; it is currently unknown if the lights were activated. The bicycle operator is a 24-year-old female from Poland and she is currently living in the Rehoboth Beach area with a host family.

The driver of the 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe, a 48-year-old man of Rehoboth Beach, was properly restrained and did not report any injuries as a result of the collision.

Impairment does not appear to be a factor on behalf of either the driver or bicyclist.

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@state.de.us.

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Presented by the Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz

Released: 081219 0245

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