Delaware State Police

Superintendent Colonel William Crotty

State Police Investigating Fatal Two-Vehicle Crash Near Middletown

Date Posted: Sunday, August 11th, 2024

Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal two-vehicle crash that occurred near Middletown yesterday.

On August 10, 2024, at approximately 4:56 p.m., a Ford Explorer was driving northbound, in the right lane, on Summit Bridge Road approaching Red Lion Road. At the same time, a Ford Edge was driving southbound on Summit Bridge Road and had entered the left turn lane for Red Lion Road. For reasons still under investigation, the Edge proceeded to turn left into the Explorer’s path of travel. As a result, the front of the Explorer hit the passenger’s side of the Edge.

The driver of the Edge, a 66-year-old man from Media, Pennsylvania, and two passengers, a 79-year-old woman from Wilmington, Delaware, and a 28-year-old woman from Media, Pennsylvania, were taken to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. A third passenger, a 61-year-old woman from Media, Pennsylvania, was taken to an area hospital with serious injuries. A fourth passenger, an 83-year-old man from Wilmington, Delaware, was taken to an area hospital where he died. His name is being withheld until his family is notified.

The driver of the Explorer, a 25-year-old man from St. Louis, Missouri, and a passenger, a 29-year-old man from North Brunswick, New Jersey were taken to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The roadway was closed for approximately 5 hours while the scene was investigated and cleared.

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues investigating this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this crash to contact Master Corporal M. Calio by calling (302) 365-8483. 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.