Delaware State Police

Superintendent Colonel Melissa Zebley

State Police Investigating Fatal Hit-and-Run Bicycle Crash near Newark

Date Posted: Tuesday, October 22nd, 2024

Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal hit-and-run crash involving a bicyclist that occurred yesterday evening near Newark.

On October 21, 2024, at approximately 5:21 p.m., a 40-year-old New Castle man was riding his bicycle westbound on the right shoulder of Pulaski Highway (Route 40), just east of Wellington Drive. At the same time, an unknown vehicle was traveling westbound on the right shoulder of Pulaski Highway and struck the bicyclist, ejecting him. The vehicle then fled the scene.

Patrol troopers and the Delaware State Police Aviation Unit searched the area for the vehicle but could not locate it. Witnesses described the suspect vehicle as a black SUV, but the exact make and model remain unknown at this time.

The bicyclist was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. His identity is being withheld until his family is notified.

The westbound lanes of Pulaski Highway, just east of Wellington Drive, were closed for approximately four and a half hours while the Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit investigated the crash and cleared the roadway.

The investigation is ongoing, and troopers are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or who has dashcam footage to contact Corporal Grade One D. McKenna at (302) 365-8486. 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.