Bethany Beach – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal crash involving a bicyclist that occurred yesterday afternoon.

The incident occurred on October 3, 2019 at approximately 12:18 p.m., when a 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee was traveling northbound on Coastal Highway in the right lane and was stopped at the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue for a red light. A bicyclist was stationary in the median, apparently waiting to cross over the northbound lanes of Coastal Highway. The traffic light for Coastal Highway turned green and operator of the Cherokee proceeded to accelerate. Simultaneously, the cyclist began to cross the northbound lanes in an easterly direction, reportedly within the crosswalk directly into the path of the Cherokee. As a result, the front of the bicycle and the left side of the Cherokee collided. 

The bicyclist, 85-year-old Ronald W. Smith of Bethany Beach, DE was initially transported to the Beebe Medical and later transferred to the Christiana Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. 

The operator of the Cherokee, a 70-year-old male from Seaford, DE remained at the scene and was not injured.

The crash continues to remain under investigation by the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit.  Anyone that may have witnessed this incident is asked to please contact Troop 7, Sergeant Mendez of the Collision Reconstruction Unit at 302-703-3269. 

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: 100419 1135

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