Delaware State Police

Superintendent Colonel William D. Crotty

State Police Investigating Fatal Pedestrian Crash in New Castle

Date Posted: Saturday, January 24th, 2026

Google maps screenshot of the area of the crash

Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal pedestrian crash that occurred Friday evening in New Castle.

On January 23, 2026, at approximately 6:10 p.m., a Toyota Tundra was traveling southbound in the left center lane of South Dupont Highway south of Christiana Road. At the same time, a pedestrian began crossing into the southbound lanes from the Wawa located at 117 South Dupont Highway. The pedestrian crossed in the path of the Toyota and was struck in the left center lane. The preliminary investigation revealed the pedestrian had shoplifted from the Wawa and was crossing in a prohibited area with a fence line in the median to discourage pedestrians from crossing.

The pedestrian, a 64-year-old man from Middletown, Delaware, was pronounced dead at the scene. His name is being withheld until his family is notified.

The driver of the Toyota, a 45-year-old woman from New Castle, Delaware, was not injured and appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. A DUI investigation ensued and she was issued a citation for driving under the influence of alcohol and was released.

South Dupont Highway left southbound lanes were closed for approximately 4 hours while the scene was investigated and cleared.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone who witnessed the crash or has relevant information is asked to contact Corporal 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 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.