Delaware State Police

Superintendent Colonel William D. Crotty

State Police Investigating Fatal Crash in Bear

Date Posted: Monday, December 8th, 2025

Image of the fatal crash location.

The Delaware State Police is investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash that occurred last night in Bear.

On December 7, 2025, at approximately 10:40 p.m., a tractor-trailer, pulling an unloaded car-hauler trailer, was turning left from East Songsmith Drive onto southbound Bear Christiana Road. At the same time, a Ford Focus was traveling northbound on Bear Christiana Road, approaching East Songsmith Drive. The preliminary investigation revealed that the tractor-trailer hadn’t completed the turn, and the car-hauler trailer was still in the intersection. For reasons currently being investigated, the Ford Focus continued northbound and crashed into the car-hauler trailer.

The driver of the Ford Focus, a 17-year-old man from Newark, Delaware, was pronounced dead at the scene. His name is being withheld until his family is notified.

The driver of the tractor-trailer, a 43-year-old man from New Castle, Delaware, did not report any injuries.

The roadway was closed for approximately 3.5 hours while the scene was investigated in cleared.

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this crash. Troopers ask anyone who witnessed the crash or has relevant information to contact Master Corporal R. Kunicki at (302) 365-8417. 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