State Police Investigating Single-Vehicle Fatal Crash in Hartly

Date Posted: Monday, October 5th, 2026

Graphic titled “Fatal Crash Investigation” featuring a Delaware State Police patrol vehicle near surveying equipment used to investigate fatal crashes and a drone overlaid in the left foreground. A silhouette map of Delaware appears on the left, the text “BecomeATrooper.com” on the bottom center, and social media icons are shown at the bottom right corner.

The Delaware State Police are investigating a single-vehicle fatal crash that occurred Sunday morning in Hartly.

On October 4, 2026, at approximately 5:10 a.m., a Ford Fusion was traveling eastbound on Arthursville Road west of Gunter Road. The preliminary investigation revealed that the Fusion failed to negotiate a slight curve, exited the south side of the road, struck a tree, and caught fire.

The driver, a 46-year-old man from Dover, Delaware, was pronounced dead at the scene. His name is being withheld until his family is notified.

The roadway was closed for approximately 3 hours while the scene was investigated and cleared.

The investigation is still ongoing by the Delaware State Police Troop 3 Collision Reconstruction Unit. Troopers ask anyone who witnessed or has information about the crash to contact Master Corporal W. Booth by calling (302) 698-8451. 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 has lost a loved one to a sudden death and needs 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.

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