Delaware State Police

Superintendent Colonel Melissa Zebley

State Police Investigating Fatal Hit-and-Run Collision

Date Posted: Wednesday, August 9th, 2023

The Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal hit-and-run collision that occurred yesterday afternoon in Camden that left one child dead.

On August 8, 2023, at approximately 4:04 p.m., a white 2014 Chevrolet Silverado was traveling northbound on S. State Street approaching the intersection at Sorghum Mill Road. At the same time, a three-year-old boy was running across S. State Street from the west side of the road (near the Valero gas station) to the east (towards Allen Frear Elementary School). The front of the Silverado struck the child in the northbound lane of S. State Street, causing the boy to fall to the ground. The Silverado did not stop and the driver fled from the scene of the collision.

The three-year-old boy was taken by ambulance to an area hospital where he later died. His name is being withheld until his family and relatives are notified.

The driver of the Silverado, an 18-year-old man from Smyrna, Delaware, was contacted by patrol troopers and detectives in Smyrna. The collision remains under investigation and no charges have been filed at this time.

No other vehicles were involved in this incident. The intersection was closed for approximately three hours while the scene was investigated and the roadway was cleared.

The Delaware State Police Troop 3 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this collision to please contact Master Corporal J. Lane by calling 302-698-8457. 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.