New Castle- Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal motor vehicle collision that occurred Sunday Night on South DuPont Highway (Route 13) at the intersection to Red Lion Road.

On Sunday, October 31, 2021, at approximately 6:22 p.m., a 2000 Peterbilt tractor trailer was stopped northbound Route 13 in the right lane at the intersection of Red Lion Road for a red traffic signal. At the time, a 1997 Jeep Wrangler was traveling northbound Route 13 in the right lane approaching the tractor trailer. When the traffic signal transitioned to green, the tractor trailer began to slowly move forward. For unknown reasons, the Jeep failed to reduce its speed and the front the Jeep struck the rear of the trailer. As a result of the collision, the Jeep traveled out of control off the right shoulder and into the grassy area. The Jeep overturned on its passenger side momentarily before returning to all four wheels.

The operator and sole occupant of the Jeep, a 53-year-old male of Middletown, DE, was not properly restrained and was partially ejected from his vehicle. The victim was pronounced deceased at the collision scene. Identification of the victim is pending notification to the next of kin.

The operator of the Peterbilt tractor trailer was not injured.

Northbound Route 13 was closed for approximately 4 hours while the crash was being investigated and the roadway cleared.

The investigation remains on-going. Anyone with information regarding this collision should contact Sergeant Alexander with the Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit by calling 302-365-8484. 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. (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, Senior Corporal Jason Hatchell

Released: 110121 0727

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