SMYRNA, DE – On December 23, 2021, at approximately 5:42 p.m., a 2006 Ford Taurus was traveling southbound on US-13 in the dedicated left-turn lane at the intersection of Spring Meadow Drive and Hickory Ridge Road. A flashing red arrow was displayed for the left-turn lane as the 82-year-old female driver intended to turn left onto Spring Meadow Drive. At the same time, a 70-year-old female was operating a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox northbound on US-13 in the same area. As the Equinox approached the intersection, the driver of the Ford began to turn left, crossing directly into the path of the Equinox resulting in the front left of the Equinox striking the right side of the Ford. Following the collision, both vehicles came to rest near the entrance to Spring Meadow Drive.
The Ford Taurus was driven by an 82-year-old Smyrna woman. She was properly restrained and transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, where she was treated and released.
An 82-year-old Smyrna man was properly restrained in the front right seat of the Ford. Unfortunately, he sustained fatal injuries and died as a result of the collision. Identification is pending notification to the next of kin.
A 70-year-old female from Clayton was operating the Equinox. She was properly restrained and transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, where she was treated and released.
US-13, in the area of the collision, was shut down for approximately 3.5 hours as the investigation was conducted.
This collision remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police Troop 3 Collision Reconstruction Unit. Any individuals who witnessed the crash are asked to contact Cpl/3 Joseph Lane by calling 302-698-8457. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at http://www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com.