Delaware State Police

Superintendent Colonel William D. Crotty

State Police Investigating Three-Vehicle Fatal Crash in Newark

Date Posted: Monday, January 19th, 2026

Image of the fatal crash location.

The Delaware State Police is investigating a three-vehicle fatal crash that occurred Friday evening in Newark.

On January 16, 2026, at approximately 5:30 p.m., a Kia Sportage was stopped behind a Subaru Outback in the left lane of eastbound Pulaski Highway, west of David Place. At the same time, a Hyundai Kona was traveling eastbound on Pulaski Highway, approaching the stopped Kia. For reasons currently being investigated, the Hyundai failed to stop and crashed into the rear of the Kia. The collision pushed the Kia forward causing it to crash into the rear of the Subaru.

The driver of the Hyundai, 85-year-old Melvin Pitt of New Castle, Delaware, was taken to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. On January 17, 2026, Pitt died from the injuries he sustained during the crash.

The passenger of the Hyundai, an 83-year-old woman from Newark, Delaware, was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The occupants of the Subaru and Kia did not report any injuries.

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this crash. Troopers ask anyone who witnessed the crash or has video to contact Sgt. J. Jefferson at (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 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