State Police Investigating Three-Vehicle Fatal Crash on I-495 in Wilmington

Date Posted: Monday, April 6th, 2026

The Delaware State Police is investigating a three-vehicle fatal crash that occurred on Interstate 495 Saturday night in Wilmington.

On April 4, 2026, at approximately 11:30 p.m., a Ford Windstar was traveling in the right lane of northbound I-495, near 12th street, followed by a Kia Optima. The preliminary investigation revealed the front of the Kia struck the rear of the Ford, pushing it into a guardrail. The Ford’s operator exited the vehicle and was walking on I-495 when he was struck by a Ram 1500 pickup truck.

The driver of the Ford, 45-year-old Mark Barnett Sr., from Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, was taken to a local hospital where he died.

The Ram’s driver, a 65-year-old man from Gillett, Pennsylvania, was not injured.

The Kia’s operator drove away from the scene as troopers arrived.

The roadway was closed for approximately 5 hours while the scene was investigated and cleared.

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this crash. Investigators are asking anyone with video footage or information relevant to the crash to contact Cpl. 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 (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 (800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov.