Middletown – The Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred at approximately 1:13 a.m., Sunday, January 26, 2020 on State Route 1, just north of Fieldsboro Rd. in Middletown.

The initial investigation has determined that a 2012 Nissan Altima, driven by 34 year old Esteban Pantoja-Gordillo of Marydel, MD, was traveling southbound on SR 1, south of Middletown, when for an undetermined reason the vehicle left the east side of the roadway and struck a guardrail in the center median. After striking the guardrail the Nissan continued on to the right shoulder of southbound SR 1 where it became disabled.

Pantoja-Gordillo exited his vehicle and began walking southbound on SR 1 in the right lane of travel, just south of mile marker 82, when he was struck by a 2018 Nissan Altima, driven by a 41 year old Smyrna woman. After impact Pantoja-Gordillo was thrown in to the SR 1 southbound left lane of travel where he came to rest. The Altima came to a controlled stop and remained at the scene.

Pantoja-Gordillo, who was wearing all dark, non-reflective clothing and not carrying a light, was pronounced deceased at the scene. Impairment on his behalf is undetermined at this time.

The female driver of the 2018 Nissan and three juvenile passengers in her vehicle, were all properly restrained and were not injured. Impairment is not deemed a contributing factor on her behalf.

Southbound SR 1 was closed for approximately 3 hours while the scene was investigated and cleared.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact Cpl. J. Breen of the Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit by calling 302-365-8486.

Information may also be provided by calling Delaware crime stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at http://www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com

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 Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released:012620 0910

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