Newark– Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal pedestrian crash that occurred early Thursday morning on westbound Pulaski Highway (Route 40) at the intersection to Rosetree Lane.

On Thursday, December 23, 2021, at approximately 12:45 a.m., a 2019 Jeep Cherokee operated by a 22-year-old male of Newark, DE, was traveling westbound Route 40 in the right thru lane east of Rosetree Lane. At this time a 35-year-old male from Chesapeake City, MD was walking westbound Route 40 in the middle of the right turn lane. The Jeep Cherokee merged into the right turn lane to enter a development, when the pedestrian suddenly appeared in the path of the Jeep. The operator of the Jeep attempted to maneuver around the pedestrian, but the front left of the vehicle struck the pedestrian from behind. The pedestrian was projected forward in a westerly direction and came to rest in the middle of the right thru lane. The Jeep traveled several feet off the roadway and came to rest down an embankment.

The 35-year-old pedestrian was wearing dark clothing and was not equipped with any lighting device to make himself visible in the roadway. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. Identification of the victim is pending notification to the next of kin.

The 22-year-old operator of the Jeep did not sustain any injuries.

The roadway was closed for approximately 3 hours while the investigation was completed, and the roadway was cleared.

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.

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

Delaware State Police Official Web Site

Facebook

Twitter

Nextdoor

Please tell us how we’re doing via our Citizen Satisfaction Survey.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Jason Hatchell

Released 122321 1057

-End-

Print This Page