Delaware State Police

Superintendent Colonel William D. Crotty

State Police Investigating Single-Vehicle Fatal Crash in Newark

Date Posted: Tuesday, February 17th, 2026

Image of the fatal crash location.

The Delaware State Police is investigating a single-vehicle fatal crash that occurred Sunday afternoon in Newark.

On February 15, 2026, at approximately 3:30 p.m., a Jeep Compass was traveling eastbound on Pulaski Highway near David Place. For reasons currently being investigated, the Jeep exited the right edge of the roadway and crashed into a telephone pole. The Jeep’s occupants were pulled from the vehicle just prior to the Jeep catching on fire.

The Jeep’s front passenger, 71-year-old Betty Williams, of Bear, Delaware, was not wearing a seatbelt. She was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries. In the early morning hours of February 16, 2026, Williams died as a result of the injuries she sustained during the crash.

The driver of the Jeep, a 70-year-old man from Bear, Delaware, was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries.

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this crash. Investigators are asking anyone who witnessed the crash, has surveillance or dash-camera footage, or has relevant information to contact Corporal K. Oakes at (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.