State Police Investigating Two-Vehicle Fatal Crash in Newark

Date Posted: Friday, April 17th, 2026

Google street view screenshot of the fatal crash location.

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

On April 11, 2026, at approximately 11:00 p.m., a Ford Fiesta was traveling in the right lane of northbound Summit Bridge Road, south of Sunderland Boulevard, in Newark. At the same time, a Dodge Dakota was traveling in the right lane of northbound Summit Bridge Road, approaching the Ford. For reasons currently being investigated, the front of the Dodge struck the rear of the Ford.

The Ford’s driver, 61-year-old Nicholas Petrucci from Bear, Delaware, was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries. On April 16, 2026, Nicholas Petrucci died as a result of the injuries he sustained during the collision.

The driver of the Dodge, a 23-year-old man from Middletown, Delaware, and a passenger were not injured.

The roadway was closed for an extended period of time while the scene was investigated and cleared.

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this crash. Investigators ask anyone who witnessed the collision, or has video, to contact Sergeant J. Jefferson at (302) 365-8484. 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.