Delaware State Police

Superintendent Colonel Melissa Zebley

Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit Investigating Fatal Two-Vehicle Crash in Bear

Date Posted: Tuesday, January 30th, 2024

The Delaware State Police continues to investigate a Bear area crash that occurred early Saturday morning after 32-year-old Chelsea Daniels of New Castle, Delaware, died from injuries sustained in the crash.

On January 27, 2024, at approximately 3:19 a.m., a 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee was traveling in the left northbound lane of State Route 7 (Bear Christiana Road), south of Rivers End Drive. At the same time, a 2010 Honda Accord was traveling southbound in the left northbound lane of SR 7 in the Jeep’s path of travel. As a result, the Honda struck the Jeep in a violent head-on collision. Both vehicles came to a stop a few feet from the impact.

The front passenger of the Jeep, identified as Chelsea Daniels, was taken by ambulance to an area hospital, where she was admitted for life-threatening injuries. Later on January 27, 2024, she died from injuries sustained in the crash.

The driver of the Jeep, a 41-year-old man from Chester, Pennsylvania, and a rear passenger in the Jeep, a 42-year-old man, were taken by ambulance to an area hospital, where they were admitted for serious injuries. A 2-year-old passenger in the Jeep was taken by ambulance to an area hospital, where she was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

The driver of the Honda, a 26-year-old man from Yeadon, Pennsylvania, was taken by ambulance to an area hospital, where he was admitted for serious injuries.

The roadway was closed for approximately 4 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 Sergeant J. Jefferson by calling 302-365-8484. 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.