Presented by the Director of Public Information Sergeant Richard D. Bratz

Felton – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred late this afternoon north of Felton.

The preliminary investigation has determined the incident occurred today on Tuesday, July 4, 2017 around 5:17 p.m. as John E. Watson, 50 of Woodside, was operating a 1996 Chevrolet Corvette traveling west bound on Irish Hill Road negotiating a slight left curve east of Canterbury Road approaching a silver Ford Focus. The 2014 Ford Focus operated by Chelsea E. Harris, 22 of Felton, was traveling east bound on Irish Hill Road East of Canterbury Road approaching the Corvette. The Corvette lost control as he was negotiating the curve and started to rotate counter clockwise crossing the center double yellow line in front of the Focus.  The Ford Focus struck the Corvette in the passenger side door with is front bumper in the east bound lane.  After initial impact the Corvette spun counter clockwise 360 degrees traveling down an embankment where it stopped south of the south edge of the roadway.  The Ford Focus started to rotate clockwise and came to rest in the east bound lane.

John E. Watson, who was properly restrained, was pronounced deceased at the scene from injuries sustained in this collision. He was transported from the scene by EMS to the Bayhealth Kent General Hospital.  It is unknown if alcohol use on the part of the victim was a factor in the crash.

Chelsea E. Harris, who was properly restrained, was removed by EMS and transported to the Bayhealth Kent General Hospital with serious but, non-life threatening injuries.

The Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing their investigation into the crash.  Irish Hill Road in the area of the crash was closed for approximately three hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.

**Traffic Advisory** Troopers Investigating Serious Crash-Felton

Released: 070417 2331

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