Delaware State Police

Superintendent Colonel Melissa Zebley

State Police Investigating Fatal Motorcycle Collision

Date Posted: Friday, July 28th, 2023

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The Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal collision that occurred early this morning in Middletown that left one man dead.

On July 28, 2023, at approximately 12:21 a.m., a black 2013 Hyundai Sonata was traveling in the right southbound lane on DE SR 1, north of the overpass for DE SR 299. A 2016 Harley Davidson Soft Tail was traveling in the left lane of DE SR 1 approaching a moderate left curve in the roadway at a high rate of speed. The Harley Davidson failed to maintain its lane through the curve in the roadway, and entered the right lane, striking the rear of the Hyundai. The Harley Davidson’s operator, a 47-year-old man from Dover, Delaware, was ejected from the motorcycle and came to a rest in the left lane. The Harley Davidson’s operator was then struck by a white 2022 Ford F-250 traveling in the left southbound lane on DE SR 1.

The Harley Davidson’s operator was not wearing a safety helmet and was pronounced dead at the scene. His name is being withheld until his family and relatives are notified.

The Hyundai’s operator, a 62-year-old man from Dover, Delaware, and the Ford’s operator, a 38-year-old man from Milton, Delaware, were 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 Corporal P. McAndrew 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.