Delaware State Police Investigating Fatal Motor Vehicle Crash

Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred Friday afternoon on Lewes-Georgetown Highway (Route 9) west of EbbTide Drive, Lewes.

On Friday, April 16, 2022, at approximately 2:10 p.m., a 2012 Honda CR-V, was traveling eastbound on Lewes-Georgetown Highway (Route 9), approaching the intersection at Ebb Tide Drive. At this time a 2009 Ram 1500 was traveling westbound on Lewes-Georgetown Highway, crossing the intersection at Ebb Tide Drive. A non-contact vehicle was stopped eastbound waiting to turn left onto Ebb Tide Drive.  A second non-contact vehicle was slowing to a stop behind this vehicle.  The operator of the Honda failed to observe the stopped traffic ahead, and in an attempt to avoid a collision, swerved left into the westbound lane. The Ram also swerved towards the shoulder, to avoid the Honda, but the front of both vehicles struck in a near-head-on collision. After impact the Honda overturned and struck a utility pole before coming to rest off the roadway.  The Ram came to rest in the same area as the impact.

There were five occupants inside of the Honda.

  • An 18-year-old male of Bear, DE was flown to Christiana Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.
  • A 17-year-old female of Bear, DE was transported to Beebe Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.
  • An 18-year-old female of Wilmington, DE was flown to Christiana Hospital in critical condition.
  • A 16-year-old female of Middletown, DE was flown to Christiana Hospital in critical condition
  • A 17-year-old male of Middletown, DE was transported to Beebe Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased. Identification of the victim is pending notification to the next of kin.

At this time the operator of the Honda has not been confirmed. This remains an active and on-going investigation.

The 77-year-old male operator of the Ram was treated and released at an area hospital for minor injuries.

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

This collision remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit. Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has any information is asked to contact Corporal/1 Smith at 302-703-3267. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at http://www.delawarecrimestoppers.com.

*Traffic Advisory* Roadway Closure Lewes Georgetown Highway (SR 9) West of Coastal Highway

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 Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Jason Hatchell

Released 041622 0733

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