Delaware State Police

Superintendent Colonel Melissa Zebley

State Police Investigating Fatal Bicycle Crash in Bethany

Date Posted: Saturday, October 7th, 2023

Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal crash involving a bicyclist in Bethany on Tuesday morning.

On October 3, 2023, at approximately 10:47 a.m., a bicyclist was traveling southbound on the southbound shoulder of Coastal Highway just south of the Indian River Inlet Bridge. A 2020 Lexus was traveling southbound in the left lane, approaching the bicyclist. The bicyclist turned left, crossing from the right to the left lane in front of the Lexus. This resulted in the bicyclist being ejected after colliding with the front of the Lexus.

The 71-year-old bicyclist from Hockessin, who was wearing a helmet, was taken to the hospital for serious injuries. On October 5, 2023, the bicyclist died from his injuries. His name is being withheld until his family is notified. The driver of the Lexus, a 62-year-old man from Ocean View, was not injured during the crash.

Both southbound lanes of Coastal Highway were closed for approximately 2.5 hours to investigate the crash and remove any obstructions from the roadway.

Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues investigating this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this crash to contact Senior Corporal J. Smith by calling (302) 703-3267. 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.