Delaware State Police

Superintendent Colonel William D. Crotty

State Police Investigating Fatal Pedestrian Crash in Newark

Date Posted: Tuesday, April 29th, 2025

Salem Church Road in front of Christiana High School

The Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal pedestrian crash that occurred yesterday afternoon in Newark that left one man dead.

On April 28, 2025, at approximately 2:51 p.m., a 2015 Nissan Altima was traveling northbound on Salem Church Road, south of Chapman Road in Newark. At the same time, a pedestrian was in the right shoulder of the northbound lane of Salem Church Road, in the same area as the Nissan. For reasons under investigation, the Nissan veered off the right side of the roadway, and struck the pedestrian. The Nissan then continued in a northeast direction through a grassy area, where it struck a tree and rolled over before coming to a stop.

The pedestrian, a 48-year-old man from Newark, Delaware, was pronounced dead at the scene. His name is being withheld until his family and relatives are notified.

The driver of the Nissan, an 18-year-old man from Bear, Delaware, was taken to an area hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

The roadway was closed for approximately 3 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 Master Corporal J. Forester by calling 302-365-8485. 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.