The Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal motor vehicle collision that occurred yesterday evening in Townsend.

On June 24, 2023, at approximately 5:37 p.m., a blue 2019 Promaster delivery van was traveling westbound on Harvey Straughn Road east of Black Stallion Road. At the same time, a red 2005 Harley-Davidson motorcycle was traveling eastbound on Harvey Straughn Road west of Vandyke Greenspring Road. The delivery van began turning left onto a residential driveway, crossing into the path of the eastbound motorcycle. The motorcyclist tried to brake to avoid the crash, but was unable to do so and collided with the right side of the van.

The driver of the motorcycle, a 20-year-old man from Dover, Delaware, was flown by State Police helicopter to an area hospital with critical injuries.

The passenger on the motorcycle, a 23-year-old woman from Hartly, Delaware, was pronounced dead at the scene. Her name is being withheld until her family and relatives are notified.

The driver of the van, a 23-year-old woman from Wilmington, Delaware, was not injured.

The roadway was closed for approximately four hours while the scene was investigated and cleared.

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this collision to please contact Master Corporal J. Forester by calling 302-365-8485. 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 Leonard DeMalto

Released: 062523  1506

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