New Castle – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal pedestrian crash that occurred early last evening.

Around 7:09 p.m. Saturday October 16, 2021 a 2007 Mercury Mountaineer, being operated by a 60-year-old New Castle man, was traveling southbound on S. DuPont Highway (US13) in the left lane. The SUV proceeded through the intersection with Llangollen Boulevard on a solid green light. At the same time, two pedestrians began to cross the southbound lanes of travel of US13 south of the intersection with Llangollen Boulevard from east to west and into the path of the Mountaineer. The operator slammed on his brakes in an unsuccessful attempt to take evasive action, but struck the two pedestrians within the left southbound lane of travel. Following the impact, one of the pedestrians was thrown in a southerly direction and came to rest within the left southbound lane of travel. The second pedestrian was thrown in a southwesterly direction and came to rest in front of the entrance to “New York Fried Chicken.”  The SUV operator came to a controlled stop within the roadway before eventually moving to a safer location on the southbound right shoulder.

A 14-year-old male from New Castle was transported by EMS to Christiana Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. His name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

A 16-year-old male from Wilmington was also transported to Christiana Medical Center where his is admitted in critical condition.

The 60-year-old operator was properly restrained and uninjured in the crash.

The two pedestrians were wearing dark-colored clothing and were not carrying any type of lighted device. They were also not crossing within a marked pedestrian crosswalk. The two pedestrians were crossing the roadway approximately 50 feet south of the marked pedestrian crosswalk located on the south end of the intersection. The intersection of US13 and Llangollen Boulevard is also equipped with pedestrian crossing signals. It was raining heavily at the time of the collision which further hampered the motorist’s ability to see the two pedestrians. The area is partially illuminated by street lamps and ambient lighting from nearby businesses.

US13 southbound between Pulaski Highway (US40)  and Old State Road was closed for approximately four hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing their investigation into the crash. Anyone with information regarding the incident should contact MCpl. J. Breen 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.

Original Release – *Traffic Advisory* State Police Investigating Serious Crash – New Castle

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. (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the unit Director at debra.reed@state.de.us.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Released: 101721 0740

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