Delaware State Police

Superintendent Colonel William Crotty

State Police Investigating Four-Car Fatal Crash

Date Posted: Wednesday, September 6th, 2023

Photo of Wheatleys Pond Road at the intersection of Mount Friendship Road.

The Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal collision that occurred in Smyrna Tuesday morning that left one woman dead.

On September 5, 2023, at approximately 7:35 a.m., troopers were called to Wheatleys Pond Road at the intersection of Mount Friendship Road regarding a four-car crash. The investigation revealed a blue 2016 Ford Fiesta was stopped in the southbound lane of Wheatleys Pond Road, preparing to turn left onto Mount Friendship Road. A tan 2005 Chevrolet Silverado was traveling southbound on Wheatleys Pond Road, approaching the rear of the Fiesta. The Silverado failed to stop and struck the rear of the Fiesta, forcing it into the path of a white 2015 Jeep Cherokee traveling northbound on Wheatleys Pond Road. The front of the Cherokee struck the Fiesta’s right passenger side, which caused the Fiesta to overturn onto its driver’s side. The Cherokee then struck a red 2013 Chevrolet Camaro that was stopped at a stop sign on Mount Friendship Road.

The driver of the Fiesta, a 25-year-old woman from Smyrna, DE, was taken by ambulance to an area hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Her name is being withheld until her family and relatives are notified.

The driver of the Jeep, a 31-year-old woman from Clayton, DE, sought treatment at an area hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the Silverado, a 32-year-old man from Smyrna, DE was not injured. The driver of the Camaro, a 34-year-old man, and his passengers, all from Dover, DE, were not injured.

The roadway was closed for approximately four hours while the scene was investigated and 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 W. Booth by calling 302-698-8451. 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 you 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.