Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal motor vehicle collision involving a pedestrian that occurred in the Wilmington area last Wednesday night.

On April 5, 2023, at approximately 9:23 p.m., a pedestrian later identified as Joshua A. Stepler, 25, of Felton, DE was walking south on South Heald Street towards the intersection with Rogers Road.  Stepler was initially walking within the southbound lanes of travel and crossed the solid, double yellow line and into the northbound lanes of travel.  Stepler continued walking in a southerly direction within the left-through lane of northbound South Heald Street. At the time, a 2014 Kia Sorento was traveling northbound in the left lane of South Heald Street from the intersection with Rogers Road. The front of the Kia then struck Stepler.

Stepler was transported to an area hospital in critical condition. On April 8, 2023, Stepler succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased. Stepler was not wearing any type of reflective or bright clothing and was not carrying any kind of lighted device. Impairment is suspected.

The 24-year-old operator of the Kia who was wearing her seatbelt, did not sustain any injuries from the crash. The operator’s headlights were illuminated at the time of the collision and impairment is not being considered a factor.

South Heald Street between Rogers Road and Garasches Lane was closed for approximately 3 hours while the crash was investigated and the roadway cleared.

The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this collision to please contact Master Corporal J. Breen by calling 302-365-8486. Information may also be provided by sending a Private Facebook Message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need 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 at 1-800-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: 041123  0916

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